Operation
The Safety Interlock System
CAUTION
If the safety interlock switches are disconnected
or damaged the machine could operate
unexpectedly causing personal injury.
• Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
• Check the operation of the interlock switches
daily and replace any damaged switches
before operating the machine.
Understanding the Safety Interlock
System
The safety interlock system is designed to prevent the
engine from starting unless:
• The blades are disengaged.
• The motion control levers are in the neutral
position.
• The parking brake is engaged.
The safety interlock system is designed to initiate
engine shutdown when:
• The parking brake is disengaged and the operator
gets off machine.
• The PTO is engaged and the operator gets off
machine.
• The parking brake is disengaged and levers are in
and the operator gets off machine.
Testing the Safety Interlock System
Test the safety interlock system before you use the
machine each time
1. Check starting circuit. Starter should crank with
the PTO disengaged and motion control levers
moved out in the parking brake position. The
operator does not need to be in the seat to start
the engine.
Try to start with operator in seat, PTO
disengaged and motion control levers in the
parking brake position - starter must not crank.
Try to start with operator in seat, PTO
disengaged, and the left motion control lever
in, starter must not crank, repeat again with the
right lever in, then with both levers in - starter
must not crank.
2. Check kill circuits. Run engine at one-third
throttle, engage PTO and raise off of seat (but
do not get off of machine) engine must initiate
shutdown.
Run engine at one-third throttle, with brake
disengaged, move levers in and raise off seat (but
do not get off of machine) engine must initiate
shutdown.
Note: If machine does not pass any of these tests,
Do Not operate. Contact your authorized EXMARK
SERVICE DEALER.
Important: It is essential that operator safety
mechanisms be connected and in proper
operating condition prior to use for mowing.
Driving Forward or Backward
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as
measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place
the throttle control in the Fast position for best
performance. Always operate in the Fast (full throttle)
position.
CAUTION
Machine can spin very rapidly by positioning one
lever too much ahead of the other. Operator may
lose control of the machine, which may cause
damage to the machine or injury.
• Use caution when making turns.
• Slow the machine down before making sharp
turns.
Forward
1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.
2. To go forward, slowly push the motion control
levers forward (
Figure 10).
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