Owner's manual

WARNING

• DO NOT allow inexperienced persons to operate the mower until they have read and understood

these safety instructions. Operate the mower at slower speeds while becoming familiar with it.

• The grass discharge chute deflector must be installed at all times and in the down position except

that it may be raised when cleaning out the deck, or a grass catcher is installed or a mulch kit and

block-off plate is properly installed.

• If the mower discharges grass clogs, turn off the blade clutch switch, apply the parking brake, stop

the engine and remove the key before removing obstruction(s).

• Keep all shields and covers in place, namely, all blade and belt covers, engine shields, and grass

discharge chute deflector.

• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from rotating parts, especially the rear wheels, blades, engine

flywheel, belts and pulleys.

• DO NOT touch engine, muffler or hydraulic system while engine is running or soon after it is

stopped. These areas can be so hot as to cause severe burns.

• Clean grass, leaves and lubricant spills from surfaces after use to prevent fire hazard.

• Be alert for traffic when crossing roads or operating near roadways.

• Before climbing curbs, crossing gravel drives, sidewalks or roads, turn off the blades and wait for

them to stop.

1.11 Safety for Maintenance

• Repairs carried out by untrained or unauthorized personnel may result in personal injury or

serious malfunction of the Velke Hydro PG.

• If Guarding is removed for inspection and component replacement, ensure the parking brake is

applied and key is removed prior to inspecting or making repairs and that the guarding is replaced

before operation.

1.12 Operation in Forward Direction

Operate the mower slowly until you become familiar with how the mower operates. Do not operate

the mower faster than conditions allow. For example, hills, wet or bumpy ground, dim light or high

grass are all conditions requiring slower speeds. Never operate the mower at the highest speed

unless you are on level, wide, open areas of clearly visible ground or transporting on paved areas.

Speeding with any mower is dangerous, and so is traveling faster than conditions should permit on

this mower. Sudden stops from excessive speed or falling off the mower may cause serious injury or

death.

1.13 Operation in Reverse

Use extreme caution when operating in reverse. DO NOT operate this mower in reverse while

standing on the Velke or other sulky. Always keep a firm grip on the mower handles with both hands.

Operate the mower very slowly, inching it backward until you become familiar with how the mower

operates. Always operate slowly if in an awkward location or position. While backing up never place

your foot or feet on the ground near the back edge of the mower to prevent serious personal injury if

mower were to run over you. Look behind you before backing to prevent injuring yourself or anyone

behind you. Operate at slow speeds in forward and reverse if not completely familiar with mower

operation. See the “How to change the Speed Adjustment” section of this manual.

1.14 Zero-Radius Turn Operation

During zero-radius turns (when one mower wheel rotates backwards while the other rotates forward)

drive extra slowly to reduce the possibility of losing traction, or control, or becoming dizzy. Be aware

that if you do a turn on a slope you may go through all of the orientations to a slope mentioned below

and must handle the mower accordingly.