EN - 17
See Figure 16.
7. Turn handlebar to steer.
• Turn handlebar slightly to make gentle
turns.
• Turn handlebar more aggressively to
make sharper turns.
• Center handlebar and engage steering-
lock lever to travel in a straight path.
NOTICE:
Aggressive turning can scuff or
damage lawns.
For Best Mowing Results
• Cut grass when it is dry.
• Keep mower blades sharp.
• Keep mower deck properly leveled.
•
Models 988172, 988173, 988174 Only:
Adjust anti-scalp wheels to prevent
scalping.
• Do not set height of cut too low. For very
tall grass, mow twice.
• Do not travel too fast.
• Mow with engine at full throttle.
• When mulching, only remove 1/3 of grass
length per cutting. Do not cut more than 2.5
cm (1") at a time.
• Discharge clippings into areas already cut.
• Change cutting pattern with each mowing.
• Do not allow grass or debris to collect
inside mower deck. Clean after each use.
OPERATE IN EXTENDED
STRAIGHT LINE
Steering can be locked for extended periods
of straight-line operation. Move steering-lock
lever into the rear position to lock the
handlebar in the center. Move the steering-
lock lever back to the forward position to
steer.
STOP THE ENGINE
1. Release the drive control grip or rotate to
the neutral position.
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Reduce throttle to 3/4 fast position.
4. Push PTO switch down to off position.
5. Turn key to off position and remove from
ignition.
MOVE UNIT MANUALLY
See Figure 18.
Bypass the transaxles to move the unit with
the engine off.
1. Park unit on a flat, level surface and
engage parking brake.
2. Stop engine and remove key.
3. Pull both transaxle bypass levers into
bypass position. Move levers down
slightly to secure position.
4. Release parking brake and push unit to
desired location.
5. Engage parking brake.
WARNING:
AVOID INJURY. If
the drive control grip does not
fully return to neutral upon
release from reverse position,
stop and repair drive control
before operating mower.
Figure 16
Gentle Turning
Sharp Turning
WARNING:
AVOID INJURY.
Wait for all moving parts to stop
before leaving operator’s
position.
Figure 17
Steering Lock
Engaged
