16
R
Section 4
To steer right while traveling in reverse, allow the right
steering control lever to move forward. The further the
control is allowed to move forward, the quicker the mower
will turn right.
To stop the reverse travel, allow the steering control levers
to return to the neutral position. If the mower is to be parked,
place the handles in the neutral lock position and engage
the parking brake.
4.6 ENGAGING THE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER
BLADES)
1. Set the throttle at about 3/4 speed. Do not attempt to
engage the deck drive at high speed as this shortens
the electric clutch life — use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the deck drive.
2. Engage the deck drive by pulling out on the yellow
switch, located on the instrument panel, to the
engage position. See Figure 4-4.
PULL KNOB
UP TO ENGAGE
Figure 4-4. Cutter Engage Switch
- 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.
3. To disengage the deck drive, push the switch in to
the disengage position.
4. Always operate the engine at full throttle to properly
maintain cutting speed. If the engine starts to lug
down, reduce the forward speed and allow the
engine to operate at maximum RPM.
4.7 SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip
over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you can
not back up a slope or feel uneasy, do not mow it.
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 2-1, Page 7 to help determine
approximate slope of area to be mowed. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
1. This mower has been designed for good traction and
stability under normal mowing conditions. However,
caution must be used when traveling on slopes,
especially when the grass is wet.
2. DO NOT mow wet grass. Wet grass reduces traction
and steering control.
3. Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,
ditches and retaining walls.
4. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
5. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
6. Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to
stop while on a slope.
7. Some areas may need to be mowed with a walk-
behind mower or string trimmer.
8. To prevent tipping or loss of control, do not start or
stop suddenly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel
at reduced speed. If tires lose traction, disengage
blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
9. Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. Sudden
starts may cause the machine to tip backwards.
10. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
11. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or
direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.
