Operating Instructions
34
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 imme-
diately, disconnect the spark plug wire, lift
the deck, and inspect the deck and blades
thoroughly for damage. Make sure that the
blade timing has not been dis turbed (the
blades should be at 90 degrees to each
other). Refer to REPLACING/RE PAIRING
the Blade Overload Shear Bolts in
Mainte
nance Instructions
if blades are out of time.
Also, make sure the blade retain ing nuts
are torqued to 60 lb·ft (81 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 a fast idle; put the throttle in
the 1/2 throttle position.
3. Disengage the blade clutch.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT
disengage the blade
clutch with high engine speed (above 1/2 throt-
tle) since the brake action on the blade drive will
cause premature wear of the brake band.
WARNING
A brake stops the cutter blades (and
blower on GHS equipped models) from
freewheeling within five (5) seconds after
disengaging the clutch. If the brake sys-
tem malfunctions and the blades do not
stop within five (5) seconds, the brake
should be adjusted or repaired before op-
erating the mower. Contact your Walker
dealer, or refer to ADJUSTMENTS of
Blade
Brake Band Adjustment
in
Maintenance
Instructions.
4. Slow the engine to idle
,
put throttle in
IDLE
posi
tion; and turn the ignition switch
OFF.
