fuel shutoff valve and disconnect the spark plug
wire.
11. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are still
tight.
12. Check, and adjust if necessary, the tension of the
deck drive belts and the transmission drive belt
as described in items 3 and 4 of the Initial
Adjustment section.
13. Readjust the steering control rods and the brake
rods. They may require frequent adjustment until
the belts and brake bands have properly seated.
These adjustments are described in items 6 and
7 of the Initial Adjustment section.
14. After the first full day of mowing, all nuts, bolt and
screws should be rechecked for proper tightness
and the belts should be rechecked for proper
tension.
USING THE MOWER
IMPORTANT: First time operators should refer to the
procedure stated on page 5.
1. Be sure area is clear of rocks, sticks, toys, wire,
or other objects that could be thrown by the
mower. Survey the entire area to be mowed.
Make sure that the accessories and attachments
would be suitable for use on the terrain.
2. With the neutral latches locked and the operator
presence levers depressed, select a mowing
speed. (a slower speed is suggested during first
time use.)
3. Engage the mower by pushing the blade clutch
lever forward until it locks.
4. Squeeze the steering control levers and release
the neutral latches.
5. Slowly release the steering control levers and the
mower should go straight ahead.
6. To operate in Reverse, look behind and down
before backing up to be sure the path is clear.
7. Be aware of the mower discharge and do not
point it at anyone, or onto sidewalks and streets.
8. Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that could obstruct
vision.
9. To mow grass and produce a striped pattern:
a. Pick a point on the opposite side of the
area to be mowed (post, tree, shrub, etc).
b. If on a hillside, start at the bottom so that
the turns are uphill rather than downhill.
c. Align the mower so as to head directly
toward the object on the far side.
d. Slowly increase the speed of the machine
to match cutting conditions, terrain, and
operator familiarity with the controls and
keep the machine headed directly toward
the alignment object. Do not go fast as to
reduce cut quality or to be uncomfortable in
controlling the speed and direction of the
machine.
e. When approaching the other end of a strip,
slow down or stop before turning. A U-turn
is recommended.
f.
To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf,
change the direction that the strips are
mowed by approximately 45 degrees the
next and each subsequent time that the
area is mowed.
g. If the grass is repeatedly mowed in the
same direction, it will be "trained" so that
the Striped appearance is more
pronounced and longer lasting. Grooving
of the turf from the tires will occur.
10. For empting material collection systems or for
any other operation involving the mower deck,
before leaving the operator station:
• shut off the mower deck.
• place the transmission in neutral.
• latch the neutral locks.
• shut off the engine.
• apply wheel chocks.
TRANSPORTING MOWER
1. If ramps are used, be sure they are secured to
the trailer, truck bed, etc. and are designed for
the application.
2. The mower should be pushed or pulled onto or off
the trailer, truck bed, etc., never try to drive it on.
3. Turn the fuel valve off.
4. Secure mower with chocks, straps, etc.
5. Make sure accessories and attachments are
secured or removed.
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