Full Product Manual

12
OPERATION
O. LEG PAD
The leg pad is located in front of the operator’s position to provide a cushion between
the operator and the mower. Refer to the Adjustments section for instructions on
adjusting the leg pad position.
P. OPERATOR’S PLATFORM
The operator’s platform is at the rear of the mower.
Q. TRANSMISSION BYPASS VALVES
The transmission bypass valves are located on the RH and LH Transmission (one for
each transmission). When in use, the two valves open a bypass within the hydrostatic
transmissions, which allows the mower to be pushed short distances by hand. Refer
to the Assembly section for additional instructions.
CAUTION
Never tow the mower. Towing the mower with the rear wheels on the
ground may cause severe damage to the hydrostatic transmissions.
R. HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION OIL RESERVOIR
The hydrostatic transmission oil reservoir is connected by hoses to the RH and LH
transmission assemblies, and is located behind the access panel in front of the
operator’s platform.
NOTE: Prior to the initial operation of the mower, check the hydrostatic transmission
oil level. Refer to Checking the Hydrostatic Transmission Oil Level on page
20.
Before Operating Your Machine
1. Before you operate the mower, study this manual carefully to familiarize
yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been
prepared to help you operate and maintain your machine efficiently.
2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker
octane rating of 87 or higher. When the fuel reaches 1⁄2” (12.7 mm) below
the bottom of the fill neck, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be left for
expansion.
• This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
Fill only with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane
rating of 87 or higher.
• Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum
deposits in the fuel system.
• Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is
an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
• Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to
a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/
ether blends are not approved.
3. Check the engine oil level as instructed in the Engine Operator’s manual.
4. Check the hydrostatic transmission oil level. Refer to Checking The Hydrostatic
Transmission Oil Level in the Product Care Section.
5. Check the rear tire inflation pressure is 10-12 psi (69-82.7 kPa).
NOTE: New tires are over-inflated in order to properly seat the bead to the rim.
6. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.
7. Check the tension of the deck drive belts.
a. Remove the deck cover
b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring mechanism
that adjusts for wear and stretch.
c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive wear. Replace if any of
these are detected.
d. Replace the deck cover.
8. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be level
side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4” (6.4 mm)
lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Service
section.
9. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Service section.
Safety Interlock System
WARNING
Do not operate the mower if the safety interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your safety and protection.
This mower is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the
operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the mower.
Contact an authorized service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting
unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO lever is in the DISENGAGED
(OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the operator’s
platform before engaging the parking brake.
• The PTO will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the operator’s
platform with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED (ON) position, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged.
NOTE: The PTO must be disengaged to restart the engine.
Standing on The Operator’s Platform
WARNING
Only one person at a time may occupy the operator’s platform - Otherwise
injury may occur.
NOTE: Stepping off of the operator’s platform without engaging the parking brake
will cause the safety interlock system to stop the engine.
When standing on the operator’s platform:
• Do not turnaround or face away from the controls.
• When operating the mower, lean forward into the leg pad.
NOTE: The operator’s platform is equipped with an adjustable leg pad. If necessary,
adjust the leg pad height. Refer to Adjustments, Leg Pad Height in the Assembly &
Set-Up section.