Operating Guide

The operation of any mower can produce foreign objects to be thrown into the

eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or

wide-vision safety goggles over spectacles before starting any cutting machine and

while operating such a machine.

The operation of any mower produces sound waves that are damaging to the

human ear. Ear protection is recommended.

CAUTION!

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of

children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing

activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

OPERATING YOUR NEW WALK BEHIND

INTENDED USE

This is not a lawn mower. The Predator and Predator Talon is designed for cutting

overgrown brush, weeds, and other types of organic growth. This unit is capable of

clearing small saplings of 1.5” in diameter or less to a height of approximately 4”.

TRAVEL SPEED

Speed can be varied by choosing a higher or lower gear using the gearshift lever at the

rear of the machine or by changing the engine speed with the engine throttle. Do not

adjust speed with the blade engaged. To shift the cutter into reverse, release the

“GROUND CONTROL” lever, disengage the blade, and rotate the shift lever to the left.

When the lever stops, lift up the reverse lockout latch and continue to move the shift

lever to the left until it stops again.

PROPULSION

The Predator and Predator Talon is self-propelled and is controlled by a “GROUND

CONTROL” lever. To engage the drive, shift the transaxle to a gear and activate the left

lever by squeezing it against the handle. Releasing the lever will disengage the self-

propel.

Under most conditions cutting should be done in a low gear (1

or 2

). Upper gears

should be used for conditions where weeds and brush are thinned out or not as tall. In

confined areas the machine can be pushed forwards or backwards by releasing the

“GROUND CONTROL” lever, shifting the transaxle to neutral, and pushing the

machine.

ENGAGING THE BLADE

An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever and a “BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control work

together to engage the blade. Both devices must be activated before the blade will work.

Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever will disengage both the blade and the

“BLADE ENGAGE DRIVE” control.