Manual

WARNING

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.

5.3 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. Release 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 the 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 much quicker; Use caution if it is your first time. Now try moving the hand control levers, one at a

time, very slightly, forward and backward. Gradually increase your speed until you are well acquainted

with the operation of the hand controls and the mower’s behavior. After gaining a good feel for how the

mower handles, gradually attempt higher engine speeds until familiar with operation at full throttle engine

speed.

5.4

How to Stop and Park the Mower

Come to a complete stop. If the blades are on, turn them off using the switch on the instrument panel.

Make sure the control levers are in the exact neutral position. Set the parking brake, reduce the engine

speed to idle, shut off the ignition switch to stop the engine and then remove the key from the ignition

switch. The mower is now parked. Do not leave mower unattended on a sloped surface.

Brake OFF

Brake Applied

5.5 Driving the Mower Over a Curb

To climb a curb, first see the Safety Instructions section of this manual, especially the parts on:

• Initial Operating Safety Guidelines

• Operation In Reverse

• Operation In Forward Direction

Next, raise the mower deck into the locked transport position. This is the highest position for the mower

deck. Then drive the mower in reverse at a 45 degree angle to the curb (with the left side of the mower

closest to the curb) until you are within an inch or two of the left-rear tire hitting the curb. Stop and then

gradually bump into the curb with that tire until it is just on top of the curb. If the tire slips even while lurching

the mower into the curb, then the curb is too high and you should use ramps or find another way. The

mower should still be at a 45 degree angle to the curb. Now, while maintaining the same angle to the curb,