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Operating Instructions
25
Engine Throttle
The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on the
left side of the seat and is used to control engine
speed. Moving the lever forward toward the FAST
position increases engine speed; moving it back-
ward toward the IDLE position decreases engine
speed.
Choke and Throttle Location
Forward Speed Control (FSC)
Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:
One is to set forward travel speed, and the other is
to establish the NEUTRAL-PARK position. When
the FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD position,
a friction lock holds any forward speed setting from
0 to 5 mph (0 to 8 km/h). The ground speed is pro-
portional to the lever position; the further the lever is
advanced forward, the faster the tractor moves. It is
not necessary to hold the FSC in position since the
friction lock maintains the selected lever position.
Pulling back on the steering levers overrides the
FSC setting and slows or stops forward travel.
Releasing the steering levers allows the tractor to
resume forward travel at the speed set by the FSC
lever. To stop and park the machine, the FSC lever
is moved backward to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
Steering Levers
Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-
dent steering lever, for both steering function and
FORWARD/REVERSE motion. The FSC lever sets
the maximum forward speed, and also sets the for-
ward position of the steering levers. The steering
levers operate only with a backward pulling move-
ment of the lever, which causes the drive wheel for
that lever to first slow down, stop, and then reverse
with a full backward lever stroke. The levers are
released to the FORWARD position for “straight-
ahead” ground travel.
NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers will
not cause any change in tractor motion - there will be
no steering lever reaction and there will be no
machine damage.
Blade Clutch (PTO)
The blade clutch lever is located on the right side of
the seat behind the right fender and is used to
engage and disengage the mower blades. The blade
clutch has two positions. Pushing the lever BACK-
WARD engages the PTO that drives the mower
blades. Pulling the lever FORWARD disengages
the PTO and engages the blade brake.
NOTE: On GHS equipped models, the Powerfil
motor and Grass-Pak
full signal switch are acti-
vated by engaging the blade clutch. Refer to Using
the GHS Catcher in this section for a complete
description of GHS operation.
Parking Brake
The parking brake functions by locking a pin into the
hydrostatic transmission pinion gear teeth. Moving
the lever FORWARD engages the parking brake;
moving the lever BACKWARD releases the brake.
IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely before
engaging the parking brake. The parking brake uses
a positive mechanical lock similar to the PARK posi-
tion on an automotive automatic transmission. If the
tractor is moving when the brake is engaged, it will
result in sudden stoppage and possible internal
damage to the axle drive.
NOTE: If pressure on the parking brake pin (e.g.
parked on a hill) makes it impossible to release the
parking brake with the parking brake lever, move the
mower gently forward or backward to release the pin.
Throttle Choke