OPERATION
18
F-030727L
HOW TO OPERATE WITH THE MOWER HOUSING
WARNING: The deflector is a safety device. Do not re-
move the deflector. The deflector forces the dis-
charged material toward the ground. Always keep the
deflector in the down position. If the deflector is dam-
aged, replace the deflector with an original equipment
part from an authorized service center.
1. Start the engine.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Move the lift lever to a height of cut position. In high or thick
grass, cut the grass in the highest position first and then lower
the mower housing to a lower position.
CAUTION: Do not operate with the mower housing in the
LEVEL ADJUSTMENT position. If you operate in the
LEVEL ADJUSTMENT position, the mower housing and
blades can be damaged.
4. Move the throttle control to the SLOW position.
5. Move the blade rotation control to the ENGAGE position.
6. Move the throttle control to the FAST position.
7. Slowly push the speed control pedal to the desired speed.
NOTE: When you mow in heavy grass or mow with a grass
bagger, use a slow forward speed.
8. Make sure the level of cut set at the factory is still correct. After
you mow a short distance, look at the area that was cut. If the
mower housing does not cut level, see the instructions on “How
To Level The Mower Housing” in the Maintenance section.
WARNING: For better control of the unit, always
select a safe speed.
HOW TO OPERATE THE UNIT ON HILLS
WARNING: Do not ride up or down slopes that are too
steep to back straight up. Never ride the unit across
a slope. See the “Slope Guide” in the back of this
book for information on how to check slopes.
HOW TO OPERATE ON A HILL
1. Control the speed only with the speed control pedal. Do not use
the brake pedal on a hill.
2. To help prevent an accident, slowly move the speed control
pedal. Avoid sudden turns or changes in speed.
3. To reduce forward speed when going down a hill, slowly release
the speed control pedal until the unit slows to the desired
speed.
HOW TO STOP ON A HILL
1. Avoid stopping on a hill. If you must quickly stop in an emergen-
cy, remove your right foot from the speed control pedal and
quickly depress the left brake pedal.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Before you dismount from the seat, move the throttle control to
SLOW position, move the blade rotation control to the DISEN-
GAGED position, turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
HOW TO START OPERATION ON A HILL
1. Start the engine
2. Move the blade rotation control to the ENGAGED position.
3. Move the throttle control to the FAST position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and release the parking brake. As you
release the parking brake, push the speed control pedal to the
desired speed.
WARNING: Slowly push the speed control pedal as
you release the parking brake. The parking brake
must be disengaged before the speed control pedal
is able to engage the transmission.