McCulloch MC1236ST Lawn Mower User Manual


 
11
OPERATION
00155
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating your
tractor or per form ing any adjustments or repairs. We rec om mend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or stan dard safety glasses.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY
TO BE DIS CHARGED, (DEAD).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this pos si bil i ty, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
plete ly, as described above, before
leav ing the operator's po si tion; to
empty grass catch er, etc.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 6)
Always operate engine at full throttle.
• Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
• Full throttle of fers the best bagging and mower per for -
mance.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fig. 6)
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever.
• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move gearshift lever to desired position.
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start move-
ment.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE
TO DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 6)
The position of the attachment lift lever determines the
cutting height.
• Grasp lift lever.
• Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired
po si tion.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approximate
and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of
grass and types of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches
in height should be mowed twice. Make the fi rst cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.
STOPPING (See Fig. 6)
MOWER BLADES -
• To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch lever
to “DIS EN GAGED” po si tion.
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full “BRAKE” po si tion.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) po si tion.
ENGINE -
• Move throttle control to slow po si tion.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and
allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine
to “backfi re”.
• Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
un au tho rized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 6)
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens-
ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the
op er a tor to leave the seat without fi rst setting the parking
brake will shut off the engine.
• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
re lease pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
re main in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
01844
PARKING BRAKE
"ENGAGED"
POSITION
GEARSHIFT
LE VER
THROT TLE/CHOKE
CONTROL LEVER
IGNITION KEY
"DIS EN GAGED"
POSITION
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER
"ENGAGED" POSITION
"BRAKE"
POSITION
FIG. 6
PARKING BRAKE
"DISENGAGED" POSITION
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL
"DRIVE" POSITION