5
R
Section 2
3. Place the steering control levers in the neutral lock
position, place the speed control lever in the neutral
position, engage the parking brake, move the PTO
switch to the OFF (down) position. Stand in the
operating position for electric start models. Start the
engine. With the engine running, engage the PTO
switch to the ON (up) position, and remove your
hands from the operator presence controls on the
handle bars. The engine should shut off.
4. Place the steering control levers in the neutral lock
position, place the speed control lever in the neutral
position, engage the parking brake, move the PTO
switch to the OFF (down) position. Stand in the
operating position for electric start models. Start the
engine. With the engine running, release the parking
brake, and remove your hands from the operator
presence controls on the handle bars. The engine
should shut off.
5. Place the steering control levers in the neutral lock
position, place the speed control lever in the neutral
position, engage the parking brake, move the PTO
switch to the OFF (down) position. Stand in the
operating position for electric start models. Start the
engine. With the engine running, move speed control
lever out of neutral, and remove your hands from the
operator presence controls on the handle bars. The
engine should shut off.
2.5 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Know the function of all controls and how to stop
quickly.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
2. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
3. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop
smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at
reduced speed.
4. Immediately apply the parking brake if you lose
steering control while operating. Inspect the machine
and correct the problem before continuing to operate.
5. When using any attachment, never direct the
discharge of material toward bystanders or allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
6. Start the engine when the neutral latches are in
the neutral lock position, the cutter blades are
disengaged, parking brake is engaged and the
speed control lever is in neutral.
7. If the mower discharge ever plugs, shut off the
engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all
movement to stop before removing the obstruction.
WARNING
DO NOT use your hand to dislodge the clogged
discharge chute. Use a stick or other device to
remove clogged material after the engine has
stopped running and the blades have stopped
turning.
8. Be alert for holes, rocks, roots and other hidden
hazards in the terrain. Keep away from any drop-
offs. Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs,
etc.), underground obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree
roots, etc.). Cautiously enter a new area. Be alert for
hidden hazards.
9. Disengage power to cutter deck before backing up.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary
and then only after observation of the entire area
behind the mower. If you must mow in reverse,
maintain a constant lookout to the rear of the
machine and mow slowly.
10. DO NOT turn sharply. Use care when backing up.
11. Disengage power to cutter deck before crossing
roads, walks or gravel drives.
12. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
13. NEVER raise the deck with the blades engaged.
14. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended, such as disengaging the
mower, stopping the engine, and removing the key.
15. Disengage power to the attachments when
transporting or when not in use.
16. The machine and attachments should be stopped
and inspected for damage after striking a foreign
object, and damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the machine.
