Walker Model MTL Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Operating Instructions
43
STOPPING THE MACHINE
1. Pull the steering levers to the NEUTRAL posi-
tion and then move the FSC lever backward to
the NEUTRAL-PARK position.
2. Slow the engine to a fast idle; put the throttle in
the 1/2 throttle position.
3. Disengage the blade clutch.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT disengage the blade
clutch with high engine speed (above 1/2 throt-
tle) since the brake action on the blade drive will
cause premature wear of the brake band.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF. When stopping
the engine, do not reduce the throttle below 1/2
speed. Since the engine is equipped with a
shutdown solenoid, stopping at low idle may
cause engine run-on or backfiring.
5. Engage the parking brake. Also, engaging the
parking brake is recommended when stopping
or parking the machine in a confined space with
little tolerance for movement.
IMPORTANT: The hydrostatic transmissions
lock to prevent the mower from rolling freely with
the engine stopped. However, if the mower is
parked on a slope, it is necessary to ENGAGE
the parking BRAKE to prevent the mower from
creeping. This is due to a small amount of slip-
page in the hydrostatic transmissions, especially
when transmission fluid is warm.
NOTE: The emergency stop procedure is ex-
actly the same procedure as used to normally
stop and park the machine.
WARNING
A brake stops the cutter blades (and blow-
er on GHS equipped models) from free-
wheeling within five (5) seconds after
disengaging the clutch. If the brake sys-
tem malfunctions and the blades do not
stop within five (5) seconds, the brake
should be adjusted or repaired before op-
erating the mower. Contact your Walker
dealer.
WARNING
Remove the key from the ignition switch
when leaving the mower unattended. This
will prevent children and inexperienced
operators from starting the engine.
WARNING
In case either of the transmission drive
belts break during operation, and if the
machine is on a slope, the machine will
freewheel down the slope. To maintain
control, immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2)
Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. When the machine is stopped or
moving slowly, engage the parking brake.