Owner`s manual

Page 8
WARNING
Operating Instructions
If you are not completely familiar with this Safety Instruction
Manual read it now before proceeding with the operation of the
mower. REMEMBER THERE ARE CERTAIN PRECAUTIONS
LISTED IN THIS MANUAL THAT YOU MUST NOW TAKE BEFORE
STARTING THE MOWER.
Inspect Mower Before Each Use:
Inspection of Mower: Do not use the mower if
any parts are not maintained in good operating
condition. Examine all moving parts prior to each
use. Look for excessive wear, bald drive tires or
worn out front tires (normally smooth), cracks in
parts, loose or missing bolts, cotter, linchpin or
“hair” pins or cable yoke pins and replace before
operating the mower. Make sure all safety equip-
ment provided with the mower is in good operat-
ing order, including all warning decals and the
operator-presence device which stops the engine
and blades when the foot-operated Operator
Presence Control (OPC) switch is released. To
test the OPC, follow the instructions further down
in this section of this manual. Inspect the two anti-
tip rollers and their respective bolts at the rear of
the mower for tightness and proper operation.
Ensure that all parts of the Quad Lever
TM
control
system are tight and secure. This is to reduce the
possibility that the mower could have a loss of
control or safety.
Basic Operation: The following procedures are
to guide you through the basic operation of the
mower. You should be a qualified mower opera-
tor according to the safety section of this manu-
al. If this is your first time, this should only be
done with the assistance of your dealer on a
level area. You should go through each step, in
the order indicated, every time you start the
mower.
How to start the mower:
Before starting the engine
•
Make sure the control levers are in the exact
neutral position
•
Apply the parking brake if it is not already
set.
•
Turn OFF the blade engaging switch if it is
on.
•
Turn fuel valve toward tank that has fuel in it.
Starting the engine
Electric Start:
•
Start the engine according to the engine manu-
facturer’s recommendation, see engine
manual. Set the throttle control lever near mid
throttle, pull out on the choke control knob and
turn the key to the start position. Do not en-
gage the starter for more than 10 seconds at
a time. This may overheat the starter and the
wiring systems. Wait 10 seconds between
attempts. If the engine does not start within
ten tries or stalls frequently take the mower in
for service.
After starting the engine according to the engine
manufacturer’s recommendation, push in on the
choke control knob to open the choke valve, let
the engine run for several minutes to get the
hydraulic fluid circulating through the pumps, etc.
and to allow the engine to warm up. Do not over-
rev a cold engine.
Be Aware Of Unusual Noises or
Irregular Operation
As you drive the mower listen for any unusual
noises and test for irregular operation and adjust
or service as necessary.
How To Drive The Mower:
While sitting or standing, both feet should be
firmly placed on the foot platform. Set the engine
speed about a fourth of the way from idle. Re-
lease the parking brake. Now try moving the hand
control levers, one at a time, very slightly, forward
and backward. Check to see if the wheels move
forward and backward according to position of
the levers. (If not, check to see that the pump
release valves are closed.) With both feet still
firmly placed on the foot platform, increase the
engine speed to about half of the way from idle
speed. Release the parking brake. The higher
engine speed will make the controls much more
responsive and the mower a lot quicker, so be
careful if it is your first time. Now try moving the