Walker S14 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Operating Instructions
31
1. Move the FSC out of NEUTRAL-PARK position
to the desired forward speed. DO NOT hold
for ward on steering levers. It is not necessary
to hold the FSC lever in position since a friction
lock maintains the selected lever position (and
forward travel speed).
WARNING
If either of the transmission drive belts
break during slope operation, 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.
NOTE: This is exactly the same procedure
used to normally stop and park the machine.
CAUTION
An operator presence switch (seat switch)
will cause the engine to stop if the FSC is
out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position and
the operator is not in the seat. The function
of this switch should be checked by the op-
erator raising off the seat with the tractor
moving forward; the engine should stop. If
the safety sys tem is not working, it should
be repaired or replaced before operating
the mower. DO NOT disconnect the safety
switches; they are for the operator’s pro-
tection.
NOTE: If the FSC lever will not stay in the se-
lected position, the friction lock needs to be ad-
justed. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS for Step 7 -
Forward Speed Control Friction Adjustment in
the Maintenance Instructions.
2. Steer by pulling the lever on the side of desired
direction of turn, e.g., pull the LH lever to turn
left. To minimize the possibility of overcontrol,
use only one hand on both steering levers.
Beginning Recommendations are:
Learn operation of the mower in an open
area away from buildings, fences, and ob-
structions. Learn operation on at ground
BEFORE operating on slopes.
Start maneuvering the mower with SLOW
engine speed and SLOW Forward Speed
Control setting until familiar with all operat-
ing characteristics.
Remember it is not necessary to hold the
steering levers forward (a unique Walker
feature); always PULL on the levers for
steering or for reverse motion of the mower.
Learn to operate the mower with your left
hand on the steering levers and right hand
on Forward Speed Control. The use of two
hands on the steering levers tends to cause
overcontrol.
Learn to operate the steering levers with
smooth action. Jerky movements are hard
on the transmission and lawn. For sharp
turns, do not allow the inside wheel to stop
and twist on the grass. Pull the steering le-
ver controlling the inside wheel into reverse
for a smooth “rolling” turn (one wheel roll ing
forward while the other rolls backward).
Practice maneuvering the mower until
you can make it go exactly where you are
aiming.
Remember, for an emergency stop, or in
case of loss of control, machine movement
can always be stopped quickly by pulling the
Forward Speed Control into the NEU TRAL-
PARK position.