7
OPERATION and ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES
Before Starting
1. Read the whole of this manual, Part 1.
2. Check the oil level in the engine and check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank.
3. Check the area to be mowed for debris.
4. Ensure that bystanders are kept well away.
5. For extended use, use hearing protection.
6. Check that the mower blades are firmly attached and in good condition.
7. Check that the discharge chute is in place and not damaged.
8. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOW AN AREA WHICH IS SLOPING MORE THAN 10 degrees TO THE
HORIZONTAL. i.e One in Four.
Starting
1. Before climbing onto the mower, move the control levers to the “OUT” position. See Page 5.
2. Sit in the seat and check the position of the footrest and the height adjusting pedal. Move them if
necessary. If the seat is fitted with armrests, these are also adjustable using a dial under the front of
each armrest.
3. Push the choke lever to “ON” and set the throttle to a mid position.
Note.
It should not be
necessary to use the choke if the engine is hot.
4. Ensure the blade switch is off.
5. Insert the key in the key switch and turn the key fully clockwise. Release clockwise pressure on the
key as soon as the engine fires.
6. After the engine starts, slowly move the choke to the off position.
7. Lift the lever locks on the right and left hand control levers and allow the levers to move to the “IN”
position.
SAFETY NOTE.
Be especially careful if starting on a slope, as moving the right hand lever inwards
disconnects the parking brake. The “hydro” control with the levers in neutral acts like a handbrake,
but touching the levers will result in instant movement. Also, the hydro will not act as a brake if the
freewheeling levers at the rear of the machine have been engaged. If you find yourself rolling down a
slope because the freewheeling levers have been engaged, unlock the right control lever and move it
to the “OUT” position.
WARNING
. Never push the control levers forwards or backwards when they are in the “OUT”
position. This could damage the hydrostatic drive units, particularly the handbrake components.
DO NOT USE THE LEVERS TO ASSIST IN LEAVING THE SEAT.
Moving.
( First time user.)
1. Practice manoeuvring in an open area with the blade switch turned off and the deck raised well
above the ground. Leave the throttle on a low setting until you are familiar with the function of the
controls. ENSURE BYSTANDERS ARE WELL CLEAR.
2. Ease both levers forward a small amount and then release them. Now move them both towards
you a small amount then release them. The mower will go forward then backward.
3. Next move the right lever a small distance forward and then a small distance rearward, while not
engaging the left control. Try the same action with the left control. This demonstrates that the right
lever controls the right rear wheel and the left lever controls the left rear wheel.
4. Now move the right lever a small distance forward and the left lever a small distance rearward. The
mower should turn anticlockwise in its own length.
5. Practice the above manoeuvres until you can confidently move in a straight line and turn on the
spot.
6. To travel in a left hand curve, simply move the right hand lever further forward than the left hand
lever. This makes the right rear wheel rotate faster than the left rear wheel.
For a right hand curve, move the left lever further forward than the right lever.
