Simplicity 1693452, Operator'S Manual

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9
Features & Controls
SAFETY INTERLOCK
SYSTEM TESTS
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches
and other safety devices. These safety systems are
present for your safety: do not attempt to bypass
safety switches, and never tamper with safety
devices. Check their operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Your unit is equipped with a seat switch safety sys-
tem. Check the seat switch operation every fall and
spring with the following tests.
Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if:
• PTO lever is ENGAGED, OR
• Brake pedal is NOT fully depressed (parking
brake OFF), OR
• Ground speed lever is out of NEUTRAL position.
Test 2 — Engine SHOULD crank if:
• PTO lever is DISENGAGED, AND
• Brake pedal is fully depressed
(parking brake ON), AND
• Ground speed lever is in NEUTRAL position.
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
• Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged, OR
• Operator rises off seat with brake pedal NOT
fully depressed (parking brake OFF).
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to
a complete stop within five seconds after PTO is
turned OFF (or operator rises off seat). If mower
drive belt does not stop within five seconds, readjust
the PTO clutch as described in the ADJUSTMENTS
section or see your dealer.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, the PTO must
be turned off after the operator returns to the seat in
order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under
no circumstance should you attempt to defeat
the purpose of the safety interlock system.
Ground Speed Control Lever
The tractor’s forward & reverse ground speed is con-
trolled by the ground speed control lever.
GEAR MODELS — On models with Gear transmissions,
ground speed is selected from one of 5 speeds.
To change gear positions, first fully depress the
clutch/brake pedal, move the ground speed control
lever to the appropriate gear position, then release
the clutch/brake pedal to begin tractor movement.
Note: On Gear Models, shift gears only with tractor
stopped and clutch/brake pedal fully depressed.
HYDRO MODELS — On models with Hydrostatic
transmissions, ground speed is selected from a continu-
ous range.
Moving the lever forward in the F range increases
FORWARD tractor motion, and moving the lever
back in the R range increases REVERSE tractor
motion.
The further the lever is moved in either
range, the faster the tractor will travel in that direc-
tion.
Note: Depressing the clutch/brake pedal is NOT
necessary when changing speeds. Placing the lever
in the N position puts the transmission in NEUTRAL,
and ceases tractor motion. (Apply & set the Parking
Brake before leaving the operator’s position).
Always mow with the engine speed at full throttle.
Note: If the terrain is rough, hilly, or sloping, use a slower
forward speed or gear. If the grass is wet or over three
inches (76mm) high, use full engine speed with a low for-
ward speed or gear 1 so the mower will have enough
power to cut the grass.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch starts and stops the engine, it has
three positions:
OFF Stops the engine and shuts off the electrical
system.
RUN Allows the engine to run and powers the
electrical system.
START Cranks the engine for starting.
NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN posi-
tion with the engine stopped–this drains the battery.
Transmission Release Valve
See “Pushing the Tractor by Hand” in the Operation
Section.
Steering Wheel
The steering wheel controls the direction of the tractor’s
travel by angling the front wheels.