Excel BigDog, Operator'S Manual

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3-8 603744_0911
Mower operation
Driving the mower
Never make sudden stops or reverse direction, especially
when maneuvering on a slope. The steering is designed
for sensitive response. Rapid movement of the control
levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the
mower that can cause serious injury.
After starting engine, engage the steering control levers and
steer as follows:
To go forward, push steering control levers forward an equal
distance (Figure 3-8).
To go in reverse, pull steering control levers rearward an
equal distance (Figure 3-8).
To turn left, move the right steering control lever farther
forward from neutral than the left steering control lever.(Figure
3-8)
To turn right, move the left steering control lever farther
forward from neutral than the right steering control lever.
(Figure 3-8)
Zero radius turn, move one steering control lever forward
and the other steering control lever back of neutral. This will
allow the drive wheels to counter-rotate. (Figure 3-8)
To stop or decrease speed, move steering control levers to
neutral. When going forward pull back gently on steering
control levers. When going in reverse push forward gently on
steering control levers.
For emergency stop, when traveling forward or rearward,
place the steering control levers in the park brake position
immediately.
When moving in the rearward direction push forward
gently on steering control levers and avoid sudden move-
ment. Any sudden movement could cause the front of the
mower to come off of the ground resulting in possible
loss of control, causing serious injury or death.
To make a three point turn to the right, move the left
steering control lever farther forward from neutral than the right
steering control lever and start the turn. Next, pull back on the
steering control levers until they are past neutral and the
machine starts to go rearward. Pull right steering control lever
farther rearward from neutral than the left steering control lever
until the rear of the machine has pivoted around. Then, push the
steering control levers forward until they are both past neutral
and the machine starts to go forward. Push the left steering
control lever farther forward from neutral than the right steering
control lever and finish the turn. (Figure 3-9)
Always be aware of what is behind the machine before
backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely nec-
essary. Always look down and behind before and while
backing up.
IMPORTANT: Rapid movement of steering control levers
is not recommended as damage to the hydraulic system compo-
nents may occur.
To increase speed, increase steering control lever’s distance
from neutral. The farther forward steering control levers are
from neutral, the faster the mower will travel forward. The
farther back steering control levers are from neutral, the faster
the mower will go in reverse.
DANGER
DANGER
WARNING