Operating Instructions
31
WARNING
If either of the transmission drive belts
break during slope operation, the machine
will freewheel down the slope. To maintain
control, immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2)
Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. When the machine is stopped or
moving slowly, engage the parking brake.
NOTE:
This is exactly the same procedure
used to normally stop and park the machine.
CAUTION
An operator presence switch (seat switch)
will cause the engine to stop if the FSC is
out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position and
the operator is not in the seat. The function
of this switch should be checked by the op-
erator raising off the seat with the tractor
moving forward; the engine should stop. If
the safety sys tem is not working, it should
be repaired or replaced before operating
the mower. DO NOT disconnect the safety
switches; they are for the operator’s pro-
tection.
NOTE:
If the FSC lever will not stay in the
selected position, the friction lock needs to be
adjusted. Refer to
ADJUSTMENTS
for
Step 7 -
Forward Speed Control Friction Adjustment
in
the
Maintenance Instructions.
2. Steer by pulling the lever on the side of desired
direction of turn, e.g., pull the
LH
lever to
turn
left.
To minimize the possibility of overcontrol,
use only one hand on both steering levers.
Pull Steering
Levers With
Left Hand
Forward Speed Control
(FSC)
Correct Operator Hand Position on the Controls
3. Reverse direction of the mower by pulling both
levers backward.
NOTE:
Smooth action on the steering levers
will produce smooth mower operation. Remem-
ber to keep the engine and ground speed slow
until learning the control response.
WARNING
When moving forward, DO NOT suddenly
put the tractor in reverse by rapidly pulling
on the steering levers, especially when go-
ing downhill, as this can lift the tractor tail
wheel off the ground and set up a bucking
motion due to operator overcontrol. If
bucking does occur, immediately stop the
bucking action by pulling the Forward
Speed Control (FSC) lever into the NEU-
TRAL-PARK position.
4. The FSC may be adjusted forward for faster
ground speed and backward for slower ground
speed. When mowing, ground speed should be
adjusted to match the load on the cutter blades,
i.e., as the engine pulls down in heavy cutting,
pull back on the FSC lever to reduce ground
speed. Adjusting ground speed helps maintain
a balance between engine power and blade
speed for high-quality cutting action.
Summary of Contents for B18
Page 73: ...69 Operator s Notes...
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