22
The Safety Interlock System
If safety interlock switches are disconnected or
damaged the machine could operate unexpectedly
causing personal injury.
•
Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
•
Check the operation of the interlock switches
daily and replace any damaged switches before
operating the machine.
Caution
Understanding the Safety Interlock
System
The safety interlock system is designed to prevent the
engine from starting unless:
•
You are sitting on the seat
•
The parking brake is “ENGAGED”
•
The power take off (PTO) is disengaged “OFF”
•
The motion control levers are in neutral locked
position
The safety interlock system also is designed to stop the
engine when the traction controls are moved from the
locked position with the parking brake “ENGAGED” or if
you rise from the seat when the PTO is “ON” engaged.
Testing the Safety Interlock System
Test the safety interlock system before you use the
machine each time. If the safety system does not operate
as described below, have an Authorized Service Dealer
repair the safety system immediately.
1. Sitting on the seat, “ENGAGE” parking brake and
move PTO “ON”. Try starting the engine; the engine
should not crank.
2. Sitting on the seat, “ENGAGE” parking brake and
move PTO “OFF”. Move either motion control lever
(out of neutral locked position). Try starting the
engine; the engine should not crank. Repeat for other
control lever.
3. Sitting on the seat, “ENGAGE” parking brake, move
PTO switch “OFF” and move the motion control levers
to neutral lock position. Now start the engine. While
the engine is running, release the parking brake,
engage the PTO and rise slightly from the seat; the
engine should stop.
4. Sitting on the seat, “ENGAGE” parking brake, move
PTO switch “OFF” and move the motion control levers
to neutral lock position. Now start the engine. While
the engine is running, center either motion control and
move (forward or reverse); the engine should stop.
Repeat for other motion control.
5. Sitting on the seat, “DISENGAGE” parking brake,
move PTO switch “OFF” and move the motion control
levers to neutral lock position. Try starting the engine;
the engine should not crank.
Driving Forward or Backward
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. Always operate in the full throttle position
when mowing.
Machine can spin very rapidly. Operator may lose
control of machine and cause personal injury or
damage to machine.
•
Use caution when making turns.
•
Slow the machine down before making sharp
turns.
Caution
Forward
1. Release the parking brake; refer to Releasing the
Parking Brake, page 20.
2. Move levers to the center, un-locked position.
3. To go forward, slowly push the motion control levers
forward (Fig. 8).
Note: Engine will kill if traction control levers are moved
with parking brake engaged.
To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion control
levers (Fig. 8).
To turn, move the motion control lever toward neutral in
the direction you want to turn (Fig. 8).
The farther you move the traction control levers in either
direction, the faster the machine will move in that
direction.
To stop pull the motion control levers to neutral.
