H24d
Operating Instructions
41
ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE
1. Set the engine throttle at about 1/3 speed.
Do
not attempt to engage the blade clutch at
high engine speeds.
This will drastically
shorten drive belt life. Use only moderate
engine speed when engaging the blade clutch.
2. Engage the blade clutch by moving the blade
clutch lever forward
SLOWLY.
For disengage-
ment, move the blade clutch lever backward
SLOWLY.
Engaged
Position
Blade Clutch Engaged
Disengaged
Position
Blade Clutch Disengaged
CAUTION
An operator presence switch (seat switch)
will cause the engine to stop if the blade
clutch is engaged and the operator is not in
the seat. The function of this switch should
be checked by the op erator raising off the
seat and engaging the blade clutch; the en-
gine should stop. If the switch is not work-
ing, it should be repaired or replaced be-
fore operating the mower. DO NOT
disconnect the safety switches; they are
for the operator’s protection.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT
engage the blade clutch
when transporting the mower across drives, side-
walks, loose materials, etc.
DO NOT engage the
blade clutch with the PTO shaft disconnected
(the mower deck removed from tractor).
CAUTION
If the cutting blades strike a stationary ob-
ject while mowing, stop the mower immedi-
ately, look to make sure all moving parts
have stopped, then lift the deck, and in-
spect the deck and blades thoroughly for
damage. Also, make sure the blade retain-
ing bolts are torqued to 70 lb·ft (95 N·m).
STOPPING THE MACHINE
1. Pull the steering levers to the
NEUTRAL
posi
-
tion 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 brake
band.
