36FB, 54FB
TURF BEAST
Rev: Mar2011
T
URF BEAST
Finish Mower
10
Operating Instructions
Starting the Engine
DANGER: Exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing
exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may
lead to death. Do not operate the engine in a
confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect.
NOTE: Be sure to add fresh unleaded gasoline and fill
the engine with manufacturers recommended motor oil
before starting your mower.
1. Make sure the shut off
valve, located at the bottom
of the tank, is in the ON
position.
2. Make sure the brake is set.
3. Make sure the blade control lever is in the OFF
position.
4. Pull CHOKE if necessary.
5. Turn the key clockwise to the START position and
allow it to return to the ON position when the
engine starts.
6. When the engine starts to run and the key returns
to the ON position, push CHOKE off.
Before attempting to use your mower, make sure
you are familiar with all of the components and
have read the manual.
DANGER
Operating the Mower
1. Make sure the brake has been
moved to the OFF Position.
2. Push down and hold the operator
presence control levers on the
handle bar with both hands.
3. The forward and reverse levers are
spring loaded to the
neutral position.
4. To drive the mower
forward, slide both
hands slightly back on
the handle bar and
gently squeeze the
forward levers toward
the handle bar. The forward speed is directly
proportional to the degree these forward levers are
moved toward the handle bar.
5. To turn the mower left, either release some
pressure on the left lever (decreasing the speed of
the left wheel), increase the pressure of the right
lever (increasing the speed of the right wheel), or
both. The degree of the turn is directly proportional
to the amount of movement of these levers.
6. To turn the mower right, perform the lever
movements described in step 5 above with the
opposite levers.
7. To stop the forward motion of the mower, release
the forward levers. The spring loaded feature of the
hydrostatic drive returns the levers to the neutral
position and stops the mower.
8. To drive the mower backwards, slide both hands
slightly forward on the handle bar and gently press
the reverse levers toward the handle bar.
9. When in the neutral position, the hydraulic system
prevents the mower from moving easily. However,
on a grade, the mower can move very slowly (with
the engine off or running). Be sure to set the
manual parking brake any time the mower is left
unattended or is being transported.
10. To physically move the mower when the engine is
NOT running, disengage the hydrostatic drive units.
Reve
rse l
ever
Forward lever
Operator presence
control lever
