19
Operating
OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS
Familiarization—Before mowing grass, practice oper-
ating the machine in an open area. Start and stop the
engine. Operate in forward and reverse. Lower and
raise the cutting units simultaneously and individually.
Engage and disengage the reels. Operate with all cut-
ting units down, then with only an individual cutting
unit. When you feel familiar with the machine, prac-
tice operating around trees and obstacles. Also drive
up and down slopes at different speeds.
WARNING: When operating a 4-wheel drive
machine, always use the seat belt and roll over protec-
tion system together and have the seat pivot retaining
pin installed.
Another characteristic to consider is brake pedal oper-
ation. The brakes can be used to help turn the
machine. However, use them carefully, especially on
soft or wet grass because the turf may be torn acciden-
tally. Another benefit of the brakes is to maintain trac-
tion. For example: Suppose when operating on a side-
hill, the uphill wheel slips and loses traction. If this
occurs, depress the uphill brake pedal gradually and
intermittently until the uphill wheel stops slipping,
thus, increasing traction on the downhill wheel.
CAUTION: This product may exceed noise levels of
85 dB(A) at the operator position. Ear protectors are
recommended, for prolonged exposure, to reduce the
potential of permanent hearing damage.
Warning System—If a warning light comes on during
operation, stop the machine immediately and correct
the problem before continuing operation. Serious
damage could occur if the machine is operated with a
malfunction.
Mowing—When you are at the area to be mowed,
release the cutting unit transport latches. Start the
engine, move axle shift lever rearward to the MOW
position and move the throttle to FAST so the engine
is running at maximum speed. To move forward and
cut grass, press the traction pedal forward. Maintain
traction pedal contact with the speed selector to assure
a consistent clip and quality of cut.
Transport—After mowing, raise the cutting units by
pulling back on the lift control levers. Hold the levers
back until the cutting units are fully raised. Lock the
cutting units in place with the transport latches. Move
the axle shift lever forward to the HI position. When
driving from one area to another, always shift the axle
to the LO position before encountering a slope. Never
shift from HI to LO while on a slope. Stop the
machine on a flat surface, engage the brakes and shift
before climbing the slope. Be careful when driving
between objects so you do not accidentally damage the
machine or the cutting units. Use extra care when
operating the machine on slopes. Drive slowly and
avoid sharp turns on slopes to prevent rollovers. The
cutting units must be lowered when going downhill for
steering control.
Pushing Or Towing The traction Unit—Use only a
rigid tow bar if it is necessary to tow the machine.
Make sure the axle shift lever is in NEUTRAL and
only tow the machine forward. Use a trailer for nor-
mal transport. Move the axle shift lever to LO before
loading the machine on a trailer.
Matching Ground Speed and Reel Speed—Vary reel
speed (while maintaining constant ground speed) to
establish the best quality of cut for the area being
mowed. Reel speeds either too fast or too slow for
conditions may effect the quality of cut. See clip chart
(Fig. 17) to determine approximate settings for reel
speed and ground speed.
Note: To lock the reel speed setting so it cannot be
changed while operating the machine, tighten the cap-
screw on the reel speed shaft. (Fig. 16).
Figure 16
1.
Reel speed locking capscrew
