
Operating Instructions
32
3. Reverse direction of the mower by pulling both
levers backward.
NOTE:
Smooth action on the steering levers
will produce smooth mower operation. Remem-
ber to keep the engine and ground speed slow
until learning the control response.
4. The FSC may be adjusted forward for faster
ground speed and backward for slower ground
speed. When mowing, ground speed should be
adjusted to match the load on the cutter blades,
i.e., as the engine pulls down in heavy cutting,
pull back on the FSC lever to reduce ground
speed. Adjusting ground speed helps maintain
a balance between engine power and blade
speed for high-quality cutting action.
5. Stop ground travel by pulling both steering le-
vers backward to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position
(trac tor not moving) and then moving the FSC
lever to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
NOTE:
If the tractor creeps forward or back-
ward with the FSC lever in the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position, the transmission control needs to be
adjusted. Refer to
ADJUSTMENTS
of
Trans-
mission Control
in
Maintenance Instructions.
ENGAGING THE MOWER
1. Set the engine throttle at about 1/3 speed.
Do
not attempt to engage the blade clutch at
high engine speeds.
This will drastically short-
en drive belt life. Use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the blade clutch.
2. Push the blade clutch lever
SLOWLY
forward to
en gage the mower blades.
CAUTION
A safety interlock 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 operator raising off the seat
and engaging the blade clutch; the engine
should stop. If the switch is not working, it
should be repaired or replaced before op-
erating 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).
Blade Clutch Engaged
Blade Clutch Disengaged