D21d
Operating Instructions
31
Forward Speed Control (FSC)
Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:
One is to set forward travel speed, and the other is
to establish the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position. When
the FSC lever is moved into the
FORWARD
posi
-
tion, a friction lock holds any forward speed setting
from 0 to 7 mph (0 to 11 km/h). The ground speed
is proportional to the lever position; the further the
lever is advanced forward, the faster the tractor
moves. It is not necessary to hold the FSC in
position since the friction lock maintains the select-
ed lever position. Pulling back on the steering
levers overrides the FSC setting and slows or
stops forward travel. Releasing the steering levers
allows the tractor to resume forward travel at the
speed set by the FSC lever. To stop and park the
machine, the FSC lever is moved backward to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
Steering Levers
Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-
dent steering lever, for both steering function and
FORWARD/REVERSE
motion. The FSC lever
sets the maximum forward speed, and also sets
the forward position of the steering levers. The
steering levers operate
only with a backward
pulling
movement of the lever, which causes the
drive wheel for that lever to first slow down, stop,
and then reverse with a full backward lever stroke.
The levers are released to the
FORWARD
position
for “straight-ahead” ground travel.
NOTE:
Pushing forward on the steering levers will
not cause
any
change in tractor motion - there will
be no steering lever reaction and there will be no
machine damage.
Blade Clutch (PTO)
The blade clutch lever has two positions. Pulling
the lever
UP engages
the PTO that drives the
mower blades. Pushing the lever
DOWN disen-
gages
the PTO and engages the blade brake.
NOTE:
On GHS equipped models, the blower,
Powerfil
®
motor, and Grass-Pak
®
full signal switch
are activated by engaging the blade clutch. Refer
to
Using the GHS Catcher on page 51
for a
complete description of GHS operation.
Parking Brake
The parking brake functions by locking a pin into
the hydrostatic transmission pinion gear teeth.
Moving the lever
FORWARD engages
the parking
brake; moving the lever
BACKWARD releases
the
brake.
IMPORTANT:
Stop the tractor completely before
engaging the parking brake. The parking brake
uses a positive mechanical lock similar to the
PARK
position on an automotive automatic trans-
mission. If the tractor is moving when the brake is
engaged, it will result in sudden stoppage and
possible internal damage to the axle drive.
NOTE:
If pressure on the parking brake pin (e.g.,
parked on a hill) makes it impossible to release the
parking brake with the parking brake lever, move
the mower gently forward or backward to release
the pin.
Engaged
Position
Parking Brake Engaged
Disengaged
Position
Parking Brake Disengaged