Walker Model MTL Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Operating Instructions
42
ENGAGING THE MOWER
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. Pull the blade clutch lever SLOWLY up to en-
gage the mower blades.
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).
Blade Clutch Engaged
Blade Clutch Disengaged
CAUTION
A safety interlock 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 rais-
ing off the seat and engaging the blade
clutch; the engine should stop. If the
switch is not working, it should be re-
paired or replaced before operating the
mower. DO NOT disconnect the safety
switches; they are for the operator’s pro-
tection.
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 Maintenance Instructions if blades are out
of time. Also, make sure the blade retain-
ing nuts are torqued to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N
·m).
Engaged
Position
Disengaged
Position