19
2. Push the control bar full forward.
3. Rotate the ignition key to “START” and slowly move
control bar back to neutral. Engine should not crank
until control bar is within 5
°
of neutral position.
4. Start the engine, refer to Starting and Stopping the
Engine on page 17. With engine running and control
bar in neutral position, squeeze control bail against
control bar (Do not pull up on blade switch), clutch
should not engage and blades must not rotate.
5. Continue holding the blade control bail and pull the
blade switch (PTO) up. The clutch should engage and
the mower blades begin rotating.
6. Release the blade control bail. The clutch must
disengage and the blades stop rotating.
7. Release the blade control bail (PTO), then pull up the
blade switch without holding the blade control bail.
The clutch must not engage and the blades must not
rotate.
8. If all the above conditions are not met have an
Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system
immediately.
Driving Forward or Backward
The Enhanced T–Bar control system is designed to
provide easy and comfortable operation of the hydrostatic
drive. The control regulates ground speed, as well as
forward, reverse and neutral functions, as well as steering
direction.
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as
measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place the
throttle control in the “FAST” position for best
performance.
Operate the machine with the engine speed set at slow or
medium when learning how to use the controls. Practice
driving the machine in a level open area.
Ground Speed
1. Place the quick release levers in the unlock position
(Fig. 13).
2. Move the reference bar forward or backward to set the
desired forward speed. The pointer indicates
approximate ground speed. When the bar is in the full
forward position the ground speed is approximately
6.5 mph. When the reference bar is in the middle
position the ground speed is approximately 3 mph.
Note: In normal conditions, a 2.5 to 3.5 mph ground speed
(middle position of the reference bar) is best for cutting
performance. Use a faster ground speed for light cutting or
transport. Use a slower ground speed in heavy cutting
loads.
3. Place the quick release levers in the lock position
(Fig. 13).
Forward
1. To go forward, slowly press on the upper control bar
against the reference bar (Fig. 13).
2. To go straight, apply equal pressure to both ends of the
upper control bar (Fig. 13).
3. To turn, release pressure on the upper control bar side
toward the direction you want to turn (Fig. 13).
4. Adjust reference bar to maintain a comfortable pre-set
ground speed (Fig. 13).
5. To stop, release the upper control bar to stop both
wheels (Fig. 13).
Note: If the front of the deck lifts off the ground when the
upper control bar is quickly pushed forward or the
machine is unable to drive uphill, an adjustment may be
needed. Refer to: Adjusting By-pass Valve.
1
2
3
m–5187
Figure 13
1.
Upper control bar
2.
Reference control bar
3.
Quick release lever
(locked position)
Backward
1. To go backward, slowly pull the upper control bar
rearward (Fig. 13).
2. To go straight, apply equal pressure to both ends of the
upper control bar (Fig. 13).
3. To turn, release pressure on the upper control bar side
away from the direction you want to turn (Fig. 13).
