Full Product Manual

16
OPERATION
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Section to help determine slopes
where you may operate safely.
WARNING
Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 15°/26% (a rise of
approximately 4 feet every 10 feet). The machine could overturn and cause
serious injury.
1. Always drive across slopes, never up and down. Control the speed and direction
of the mower using primarily the control lever on the downhill side of the
mower, with the uphill control lever remaining essentially in a fixed position.
2. Avoid turning downhill if possible. Start at the bottom of a slope and work
upward. Always slow down before turning.
3. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill.
ENGAGING THE PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck. To engage the PTO:
1. Move the throttle to the FAST position.
2. Pull the PTO switch up/out into the ENGAGED (ON) position.
NOTE: When operating the mower be certain that the throttle is always in the
FAST position. Operating with the throttle at less than full throttle may
lead to premature battery wear and a poor quality cut.
3. To disengage the PTO, push the PTO switch down/into the DISENGAGED (OFF)
position.
MOWING
WARNING
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
WARNING
Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or
other objcts that can be thrown by the rotating blades.
NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and
possible failure of the ‘V” belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move
to a non grassy area before engaging the mower deck.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and
work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is
installed.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is prone to weed growth and yellows
quickly in dry weather.
• Always operate the mower with the throttle in the FAST position while
mowing.
• On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed.
Follow the point to maintain a straight line
• Move the throttle control or throttle control to the FAST position and engage
the PTO.
• Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the
discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the
direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This
will give a better appearance to the lawn.
• Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers forward to move the
mower forward, and keep the mower headed directly toward the alignment
point.
NOTE: The speed of the mower will affect the quality of the mower cut.
Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground
speed with the drive control levers.
• The mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more
than 10” (25cm). Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass
(e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine
exhaust and/or build up on the mower.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or extremely tall grass. The
mower is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
• When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before
turning. A Y-turn is recommended unless a pivot or zero turn is required.
• Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately
3” (7.6 cm).
• Direct the mower on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip.
• To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change the direction that
the strips are mowed by approximately 45° for the next and each subsequent
mowing.
When stopping the mower for any reason while on a grass surface, always:
• Return the RH and LH drive control levers to the natural position and engage
the park brake lever.
• Shut engine off and remove the key.
• Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot
exhaust from the mower’s running engine.