T27i
Operating Instructions
39
ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE
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. Engage the blade clutch by pulling the blade
clutch lever
SLOWLY
up. For disengagement,
push the blade clutch lever down
SLOWLY.
Engaged
Position
Blade Clutch Engaged
Disengaged
Position
Blade Clutch Disengaged
CAUTION
An operator presence 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 op erator raising off the
seat and engaging the blade clutch; the en-
gine should stop. If the switch is not work-
ing, it should be repaired or replaced be-
fore operating 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).
CAUTION
If the cutting blades strike a stationary ob-
ject while mowing, stop the mower immedi-
ately, disconnect the spark plug wires, lift
the deck, and inspect the deck and blades
thoroughly for damage. Make sure that the
blade timing has not been dis turbed (the
blades should be at 90 degrees to each
other). Refer to
Blade Overload Shear
Bolts on page 83
if blades are out of time.
Also, make sure the blade retain ing nuts
are torqued to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m).
STOPPING THE MACHINE
1. Pull the steering levers to the
NEUTRAL
posi-
tion and then move the FSC lever backward to
the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
2. Slow the engine to a fast idle; put the throttle
in the 1/2 throttle position.
3.
Disengage the blade clutch.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT
disengage the blade
clutch with high engine speed (above 1/2
throt tle) since the brake action on the blade
drive will cause premature wear of the brake
band.
