Operating Instructions
33
Blade Clutch Disengaged
CAUTION
If the cutting blades strike a stationary ob-
ject while mowing, stop the mower im-
mediately, disconnect the spark plug
wires, lift the deck, and inspect the deck
and blades thoroughly for damage. Also,
make sure the blade retaining bolts are
torqued to 64 ft-lb (86.8 N
·
m).
STOPPING THE MACHINE
1. Pull the steering levers to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position and then move the FSC lever backward
to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
2. Slow the engine to idle; put the throttle in the
IDLE
position.
3. Disengage the blade clutch.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT
disengage the blade
clutch with high engine speed (above 1/2 throttle)
since the brake action on the blade drive will cause
premature wear of the Engine/PTO Belt and
internal braking mechanism (or system).
WARNING
A brake stops the cutter blades from free-
wheeling within five (5) seconds after dis-
engaging the clutch. If the brake system
malfunctions and the blades do not stop
within five (5) seconds, the brake should
be repaired or replaced before operating
the mower. Contact your Walker dealer.
4. Turn the ignition switch
OFF.
WARNING
Remove the key from the ignition switch
when leaving the mower unattended. This
will prevent children and inexperienced
operators from starting the engine.
5. Engage the parking brake. Also, engaging the
parking brake is recommended when stopping
or parking the machine in a confined space with
little tolerance for movement.
IMPORTANT:
The transaxles lock to prevent the
mower from rolling freely with the engine stopped.
However, if the mower is parked on a slope, it is
necessary to
ENGAGE
the parking
BRAKE
to
prevent the mower from creeping. This is due to
a small amount of slippage in the transaxles, es-
pecially when transmission fluid is warm.
WARNING
In case either of the transmission drive
belts break during operation, and if the
machine is on a slope, the machine will
freewheel down the slope. To maintain
control, immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2)
Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. When the machine is stopped
or moving slowly, engage the parking
brake.
NOTE:
The emergency stop procedure is exactly the
same procedure as used to normally stop and park
the machine.