18
S
ection
5— o
peration
Engaging the Blade
Engaging the PTO
(Blade Engage)
transfers power to the cutting
deck. To engage the blade, proceed as follows:
1.
Grasp the PTO
(Blade Engage)
lever and pivot it all the way
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
IMPORTANT:
The PTO
(Blade Engage)
lever must be in the
disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when
traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to
Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation section of this manual.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then
place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to
Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section.
Mowing
WARNING!
To help avoid blade contact or a
thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting
deck with your tractor:
WARNING!
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid
discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction which may
cause discharged material to ricochet back toward
the operator.
•
Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit
or grass collector is installed.
•
For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be
cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the
first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge
to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a
better appearance to the lawn.
•
Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
•
Mowing should always be done with the engine at full
throttle.
•
Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back
over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.
•
Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns,
NOT clear brush.
•
Keep the blade sharp and replace the blade when worn.
Refer to Cutting Blade in the Service section of this manual
for proper blade sharpening instructions.
