Operating Instructions
32
5. Stop ground travel by pulling both steering le-
vers backward to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position
(trac tor not moving) and then moving the FSC
lever to the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
NOTE:
If the tractor creeps forward or back-
ward with the FSC lever in the
NEUTRAL-PARK
position, the transmission control needs to be
adjusted. Refer to
ADJUSTMENTS
for
Step 3 -
Neutral Position Adjustment
in the
Maintenance
Instructions.
ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE
1. Set the engine throttle at about 1/3 speed.
DO
NOT attempt to engage the blade clutch at
high engine speeds.
This will drastically short-
en drive belt life. Use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the blade clutch.
2. Engage the blade clutch by moving the blade
clutch lever forward
SLOWLY.
For disengage-
ment, move the blade clutch lever backward
SLOWLY.
CAUTION
An operator presence switch (seat switch)
will cause the engine to stop if the blade
clutch is engaged and the operator is not in
the seat. The function of this switch should
be checked by the operator raising off the
seat and engaging the blade clutch; the en-
gine should stop. If the switch is not work-
ing, it should be repaired or replaced be-
fore operating the mower. DO NOT
disconnect the safety switches; they are
for the operator’s protection.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT
engage the blade clutch
when transporting the mower across drives, side-
walks, loose materials, etc.
DO NOT engage the
blade clutch with the PTO shaft disconnected
(the mower deck removed from tractor).
Engaged
Position
Blade Clutch Engaged
Disengaged
Position
Blade Clutch Disengaged
CAUTION
If the cutting blades strike a stationary ob-
ject while mowing, stop the mower imme-
diately, disconnect the spark plug wires, lift
the deck, and inspect the deck and blades
thoroughly for damage. Make sure that the
blade timing has not been dis turbed (the
blades should be at 90 degrees to each
other). Refer to REPLACING/RE PAIRING
the Blade Overload Shear Bolts in
Mainte
nance Instructions
if blades are out of time.
Also, make sure the blade retain ing nuts
are torqued to 60 lb·ft (81 N·m).
Summary of Contents for B18
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Page 74: ...70 Operator s Notes...