Part No 520187 Form No F071406A
12
FM Owner’s Manual
PROPULSION
This unit is self-propelled, and is controlled by an operator presence control. To
engage the wheel drive, first push down on the BRAKE RELEASE lever on the
right side, and then lift the operator's DRIVE lever on the right side against
operator's handle. The drive is disengaged by releasing the lower lever. (See
figure 16-6). Shift to neutral, push and hold the Brake lever to free wheel.
GROUND SPEED can be varied by selecting a higher or lower gear using the
gearshift lever on top of the console (see figure 16-7). Note: Only change gear
selection when unit is stopped. Under most conditions cutting should be done in
second or third gear. Fourth gear should be reserved for conditions where grass
is thinned out or not as tall. The quality of the cut produced is directly related to
the unit's ground speed during cutting. If the quality of the cut is not satisfactory
(i.e. material left standing), you should shift into a lower gear during cutting. For
improved control in confined areas, this machine can be pushed forward or
backward by releasing the drive lever located at the bottom of the operator's
right-hand handle, and shifting to neutral while depressing the brake release
lever.
HILLSIDE MOWING
WARNING! Never mow on any slope greater than 15 degrees. Always
mow across the face of slopes; never up and down or diagonally (see figure
16-8). DO NOT attempt sudden starts or stop when mowing on a slope.
Avoid sudden turns and use extreme caution when changing direction on a
slope.
BLADE CLUTCH
The FM mower blade clutch is controlled by an operator presence control. To
engage the blade, depress the operator’s left hand control lever against
operator’s handle. The blades are disengaged by releasing this lever. (See figure
16-5)
NOTE: The blade clutch must be either fully engaged for cutting or fully
disengaged to bring the blades to a stop. Do not operate the unit with the blade
clutch partially engaged. Premature belt wear and clutch failure will result from
improper operation of the clutch.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when operating the blades. Inspect the work
area for foreign objects that could cause damage to the unit or injure the operator
if struck by the blade. Never operate the blades with bystanders in the work
area. Lever operates the blade without either the discharge deflector chute or the
grass catcher in place.
Fig. 16-5
Fig. 16-6
Fig. 16-7
Fig. 16-8
Blade Clutch Lever
Operator’s
handle
Brake release lever
-down to release
Operator’s
handle
Drive lever
-up to drive