18
Section 4: Operation
c) If the engine still does not stop
within a few seconds after releasing
either lever, the OPC system is not func-
tioning properly. DO NOT operate the
unit. Contact the nearest authorized
dealer or our factory for repair. DO NOT
operate the unit until the operator pres-
ence control system (OPC) is repaired.
For general OPC system operation infor-
mation, refer to Note 4-1.
OPERATION
WHEEL DRIVE LEVER OPERATION
Releasing the wheel drive levers (E, Fig.
4-5 ) will engage the wheel drive and
propel the unit forward (note wheel drive
lever position when engaged in Fig. 4-5).
To stop forward movement, squeeze both
wheel drive levers all the way up against
the grips.
To lock the levers in the disengaged posi-
tion, squeeze wheel drive levers and pull
slightly backward and down on the thumb
latches (D) until the wheel drive control
rods (G) drop into the slots (F) in the
thumb latches.
Use the wheel drive levers to control
steering. To turn toward the right, squeeze
the right lever up against the handlebar
grip to allow the unit to pivot on the right
wheel. To turn toward the left, squeeze the
left wheel drive lever.
CUTTER BLADE OPERATION
To engage the cutter blade:
1. Remove the plastic blade guard from
the cutter bar.
2. Start the engine.
3. Move the cutter bar lever (Fig. 4-7) all
the way to the left, to the ON position.
The cutter bar assembly will move rapidly
back and forth.
NOTE: Unit vibrates when cutter bar drive
is engaged.
If the handlebars are gripped too tightly,
vibration increases. DO NOT attempt to
hold the unit down. Guide the unit with a
light grip on the handlebars.
To disengage the cutter bar drive, move
the cutter bar lever all the way to the right
to the OFF position (Fig. 4-7). Always dis-
engage the cutter bar drive, stop the
engine and re-install the plastic blade
guard when transporting the unit.
USE AND ADJUSTMENT OF SHOES
Use the shoes (A, Fig. 4-6) to adjust cutter
bar height to avoid stones and debris, or
when mowing areas containing loose dirt
or soft, spongy growth.
NOTE: Shoes can be staggered along the
cutter bar and set at different heights to
accommodate unusual terrain conditions.
NOTE: Shoes are not always necessary,
particularly when mowing lush, green veg-
etation on even terrain free of debris.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Before operating the unit, remove all
debris, small bushes and trees thicker than
one inch in diameter from the operating
area. Cut trees low enough for the cutter
bar to clear them.
ALWAYS DISENGAGE THE CUTTER BAR
DRIVE WHEN TRANSPORTING THE
UNIT!
• Always run the engine with the throttle in
the FAST position.
• Use the wheel drive control levers to
steer the unit.
• Use a slow ground speed when using the
unit for the first time. Increase speed as
you become familiar with operating the
unit.
• Vibration is normal. Grip the handlebars
lightly.
• If forward motion is stopped or the unit
hits an object, immediately disengage the
wheel drive levers. This will help prevent
belt slippage, and premature wear, and the
wrapping of tall grass and vegetation
around moving parts.
• Ease into heavy cutting by first slightly
disengaging the wheel drive levers. Do not
start heavy cutting at full wheel speed. Let
the blades saw their way through the
material being mowed a little at a time.
The unit will usually cut any brush and
saplings which can fit between the blades.
To Operate:
1. Move the cutter bar lever to the OFF
position. Remove the blade guard. Disen-
gage the wheel drive levers.
2. Connect the spark plug wire to the
spark plug. Start the engine. Stand behind
the unit in the operator position. Move the
throttle lever to the FAST position.
3. To move forward, release the wheel
drive levers.
NOTE: To move the unit without mowing,
engage the wheel drive without engaging
the cutter bar drive.
Proper Operator Presence
Control (OPC) System Operation
1.
Engine WILL stop if both conditions A
and B exist:
A. Both OPC levers released.
B. Cutter bar lever in ON position or
thumb latches unlocked (wheel drive
ON).
2.
Engine WILL NOT stop if either condition
“C” or “D” exist:
C. One or both OPC levers engaged.
D. Cutter bar lever in OFF position and
thumb latches engaged (wheel drive
OFF).
Note 4-1
ENGAGED
DISENGAGED
E
F
C
E
D
To Release
Fig. 4-5
D
Fig. 4-6
A
G
G
WHEEL DRIVE
WHEEL DRIVE
DISENGAGED
(Freewheel)
Cutter Bar Off
On
Fig. 4-7
