16
R
Section 4
ENGAGING THE DECk DRIvE (CUTTER
4.6
BLADES)
Set the throttle at about 3/4 speed. Do not attempt to
1.
engage the deck drive at high speed as this shortens
the electric clutch life — use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the deck drive.
DANGER
ROTATING BLADES
NEvER PUT YOUR HANDS INTO THE DISCHARGE
CHUTE FOR ANY REASON!
Shut off the engine and remove the key and
only then use a stick or similar object to remove
material if clogging has occurred.
Engage the deck drive by pulling out on the yellow
2.
switch, located on the instrument panel, to the
engage position. See Figure 4-5.
390S0138
PULL UP TO ENGAGE
PUSH DOWN TO DISENGAGE
Cutter engage Switch
Figure 4-5.
- NOTe -
A squealing noise may be heard when engaging
or disengaging the deck drive. It is caused by the
electric clutch plates meshing as the mower comes
up to speed. This is normal.
To disengage the deck drive, push the switch in to
3.
the disengage position.
Always operate the engine at full throttle to properly
4.
maintain cutting speed. If the engine starts to lug
down, reduce the forward speed and allow the
engine to operate at maximum RPM.
HILLSIDE OPERATION
4.7
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. To check a slope,
attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down).
If the machine can back up the slope without the
wheels slipping, reduce speed and use extreme
caution. Under no circumstances should the
machine be operated on slopes greater than 15
degrees. See Figure 2-2, Page 7 to determine
approximate slope of area to be mowed. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROvED OPERATION.
This mower has been designed for good traction
1.
and stability under normal mowing conditions.
However, caution must be used when traveling on
slopes, especially when the grass is wet. Wet grass
reduces traction and steering control. The Roll-Over
Protection System is standard equipment for this
machine. See Section 2.5, page 6 of this manual for
further details.
Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,
2.
ditches and retaining walls.
To prevent tipping or loss of control, do not start or
3.
stop suddenly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel
at reduced speed. If tires lose traction, disengage
blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. Sudden
4.
starts may cause the machine to tip backwards.
Loss of traction may occur when traveling down hill.
5.
Weight transfers to the front of the machine and
may cause the drive wheels to slip causing loss of
braking or steering.
Keep tires properly inflated.
6.
PARkING THE MOWER
4.8
Park the machine on a flat, level surface only. Do not
1.
park the machine on an incline.
Place the steering control levers in the neutral
2.
position.
Disengage the cutter blades.
3.
Slow the engine to idle speed.
4.
Engage the parking brake.
5.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove
6.
the key.
