Operating

Daily Operating Checklist

o Make sure all necessary guards and shields are safely and securely attached. Check for loose, missing or damaged parts.

o Test park brake.

o Test safety systems.

o Check engine and hydraulic oil level.

o Check for oil leaks.

o Check all belts for damage or cracking.

o Check tire pressure. Check tires for damage or cracking.

o Check mower level.

o Adjust cutting height if necessary.

o Remove mower deck belt shields. Inspect and clean grass and debris from belt area.

o Remove grass and debris from operator's platform, air intake screen, engine cooling fins, hydraulic pumps, engine compartment and muffler area.

o Check and adjust steering control linkages.

o Lubricate front caster spindles and wheels.

Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces

· Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.

· Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

· Be careful not to spill fuel on machine. Fuel may damage surface. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.

Operator Station Controls

MX21492

A - Throttle Lever

B - Choke

C - Speed Control Bar

D - Left Motion Control Lever

E - Hourmeter

F - Right Motion Control Lever

G - PTO Switch

H - Ignition Key Switch

I - Thigh Pad Latch

MX21495

A - Park Brake Lever

Deck Controls

MX21496

A - Deck Lift Lever

B - Height-of-Cut (HOC) Pin

Miscellaneous Controls

MX18678

MX18679

A - Pump Free-Wheel Valves

B - Fuel Shutoff Valve

Mounting and Dismounting Machine Safely

MX21497

1. Step on operator's platform (A) at the rear of machine to mount the machine.

2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

3. Step off operator's platform to dismount machine.

4. Keep operator's platform clean.

Raising and Lowering Thigh Pad

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX21497

2. Raise thigh pad (A) until latch (B) engages.

3. Release latch and lower thigh pad.

Adjusting Mower Deck Cutting Height

The mower deck height adjustment consists of thirteen different cutting heights. The heights range from 38-121 mm (1-1/2-4-1/2 in.) in 6 mm (1/4 in.) increments.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Hands, fingers or clothing can become entangled in rotating parts. Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before servicing machine.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

MX21496

2. Pull lever up and lock in travel position.

3. Remove retaining ring (A) and HOC pin (B). Place HOC pin in desired height hole.

4. Install retaining ring (A) in HOC pin (B).

5. Release deck lift lever (C).

Leveling Mower Deck

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

3. Inspect mower blades for:

· Sharpness.

· Damage.

· Bent blades.

Checking Level (Side-to-Side):

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. Adjust mower deck to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

MX10371

Picture Note: Discharge chute raised for photo clarity.

2. Position right mower blade (A) (discharge side) perpendicular to direction of travel.

NOTE: Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge (Part No. AM130907) to check the mower blade level.

3. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

4. Position left mower blade perpendicular to direction of travel.

5. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

· The difference between both measurements should be no greater than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

6. If side-to-side level is not within the tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Side-to-Side)

MX18680

1. Adjust cap screws (B) (two on each side of deck) until deck is within 3 mm (1/8 in.) of level from side-to-side.

MX18681

· Loosen jam nuts (C) and adjust cap screws (D) on all four adjusters until side-to-side level is reached.

· Tighten cap screws (D) while holding jam nuts (C).

Checking Level (Front-to-Rear):

1. Set height-of-cut (HOC) to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) parallel to direction of travel.

3. Measure from front blade tip to the ground.

4. Turn blade 180° and measure from rear blade tip to the ground.

M40137

5. If the front-to-rear level is not within the given tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Front-to-Rear):

NOTE: Adjust side-to-side mower level before adjusting front-to-rear level.

Adjust both sides of the mower deck equally.

MX18682

1. Loosen jam nut (F) on deck lift rod (G).

2. Adjust front-to-rear mower level:

· Facing the front of machine, turn nut (H) clockwise to raise front of mower deck.

· Facing the front of machine, turn nut (H) counterclockwise to lower front of mower deck.

3. Verify that adjustment on right and left sides are equal.

4. Tighten jam nut (F).

5. Check front-to-rear mower level.

Checking and Adjusting Cutting Height

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

Checking Overall Cutting Height

1. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

2. Set mower deck to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height.

3. Position right mower blade (discharge side) in the front-to-rear position (parallel to the direction of travel).

4. Measure from front of blade tip to the ground.

5. If blade tip height is not within 73-79 mm (2-7/8-3-1/8 in.), an adjustment is needed.

Adjusting Overall Cutting Height

MX18681

1. Adjust cap screws (A) (two on each side of deck) until blade tip height is within 73-79 mm (2-7/8-3-1/8 in.).

· Loosen jam nuts (B) and adjust cap screws (A) on all four adjusters until correct blade tip height is reached.

· Tighten cap screws (A) while holding jam nuts (B).

Adjusting Deck Lift Spring Tension

NOTE: Deck lift spring tension is adjusted at the factory. If the effort required to raise or lower the mower deck is not satisfactory, an adjustment may be necessary.

Check Spring Tension

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Stop engine and lock park brake.

3. Raise the mower deck lift lever to the transport position.

MX18682

4. Measure spring length (A).

· The recommended factory setting is 20 cm (7-7/8 in.).

Adjust Spring Tension

NOTE: Both deck lift spring assemblies must be adjusted equally.

Do not over-tension the deck lift springs. If the springs are compressed too tightly, the mower deck will float too freely.

Decrease deck lift spring tension if operating in rough terrain.

Adjust the deck lift spring tension:

· Facing the front of machine, turn hex nut (B) counterclockwise to increase deck lift spring tension and reduce the effort to raise and lower the mower deck.

· Facing the front of machine, turn hex nut (B) clockwise to decrease deck lift spring tension and increase the effort to raise and lower the mower deck.

Adjusting Mower Deck Anti-Scalp Wheels

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Hands, fingers or clothing can become entangled in rotating parts. Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before servicing machine.

NOTE: The flattest cut can be achieved by having all anti-scalp wheels adjusted off the ground. Check anti-scalp wheel adjustments each time the mower deck cutting height is changed.

It is recommended that all anti-scalp wheels be kept off the ground to minimize scuffing.

1. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

2. Adjust mower deck to desired cutting height.

mx18683

3. Adjust anti-scalp wheel (A) to one of three positions (B).

· Remove cap screw (C), locknut and washer.

· Adjust wheel up or down so it is approximately (6-13 mm (1/4-1/2 in.) above mowing surface.

4. Install wheel with attaching hardware.

5. Adjust all wheels to the same height.

Using Fuel Shutoff Valve

MX18679

Move the fuel shutoff valve (A) to the on position for normal operation. Move the valve to the off position when the machine is not in use, and during transport.

Using Park Brake

Locking Park Brake

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. Always lock park brake and remove key before leaving machine unattended.

MX21495

· Raise park brake lever (A) to lock park brake.

Unlocking Park Brake:

· Lower park brake lever (A) to unlock park brake.

Testing Safety Systems

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation. · Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area. · Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

The safety systems installed on your machine should be checked before each machine use. Be sure you have read the machine operator manual and are completely familiar with the operation of the machine before performing these safety system checks.

Use the following checkout procedures to check for normal operation of machine.

If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, do not operate machine. See your authorized dealer for service.

Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders away.

Testing PTO/Start Interlock Switch

1. Stand on operator's platform with motion control levers in the neutral position.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Pull PTO switch up to engage.

4. Turn key switch to the start position.

Testing Park Brake Switch

1. Push PTO switch down to disengage.

2. Unlock park brake.

3. Turn key switch to the start position.

Testing Neutral Switch (Start)

1. Lock park brake.

2. Push PTO switch down to disengage.

3. Push one motion control lever forward.

4. Turn key switch to the start position.

Testing Neutral Switch (Run)

1. Lock park brake.

2. Push PTO switch down to disengage.

3. Start engine.

4. Push one motion control lever forward.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 using the other lever.

Testing Operator Presence Switch

1. Stand on operator's platform with motion control levers in the neutral position.

2. Start engine.

3. Unlock park brake.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before engaging mower, make sure that area is clear of bystanders, especially children.

4. Pull PTO switch up to engage.

5. Step completely off operator's platform.

Testing Park Brake

1. Inflate tires to correct pressures.

MX12874

2. Stop machine on a 17° slope (30% grade). Stop engine and lock park brake.

Using the PTO

Engage PTO:

1. Stand on operator's platform with motion control levers in the neutral position.

2. Start engine.

3. Move throttle lever to the 1/2 to 3/4 fast position.

MX18900

4. Pull PTO knob (A) up to engage mower deck.

5. Move throttle lever forward to the fast position for mowing.

Disengage PTO:

· Push PTO knob (A) down.

Using the Throttle

MX18901

· Push throttle lever (A) forward to the fast position (B) when mowing.

· Move throttle lever (A) to the half fast position (C) when starting and warming the engine.

· Pull throttle lever (A) backward to the slow position (D) to idle engine. Do not run engine at slow idle any longer than necessary.

Using the Hour Meter

NOTE: The machine is equipped with an electric start. The hour meter will continue to run with the key switch in the run position.

MX21492

· Hour meter (A) shows number of hours the machine has been operated.

· Use hour meter and SERVICE INTERVAL section to determine when machine needs service.

Using the Motion Control Levers

The functions of the motion control levers are:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent personal injury. Learn use of the motion control levers and practice at half throttle until becoming proficient and comfortable with the operation of the machine. Do not move motion control levers from forward to reverse or reverse to forward position rapidly. Sudden direction changes could cause loss of control or damage the machine.

· Steering.

· Acceleration.

· Deceleration.

Neutral Position

MX21492

· Machine speed, motion and direction can be controlled when the engine is running and park brake is unlocked.

· Operator can exit the mower with the engine running when the park brake is locked and the PTO switch is disengaged.

Forward and Reverse Motion:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward: · Carefully check the area around the machine. · Disengage the mower before backing up.

1. Move throttle lever to the fast position.

2. Unlock park brake.

3. Push motion control levers forward to begin forward motion. The further forward the control levers are moved, the faster the machine will travel.

· Forward speed range: 0-13.7 km/h (0-8.5 mph)

4. Pull both motion control levers rearward at the same time to begin reverse motion.

· Reverse speed range: 0-6.4 km/h (0-4 mph)

5. To stop motion, move both motion control levers forward or rearward until the machine comes to a stop.

NOTE: The motion control linkages are adjustable. If adjustment is required, see Checking and Adjusting Motion Control Linkages in the SERVICE TRANSMISSION section.

Forward:

MX12788

· Push both motion control levers forward at the same time.

Reverse:

MX12789

· Pull both motion control levers past center rearward at the same time.

Gentle Left Turn:

MX12790

· Push right motion control lever further forward than the left motion control lever.

Gentle Right Turn:

MX12791

· Push left motion control lever further forward than the right motion control lever.

Sharp Left Turn:

MX12792

· Push right motion control lever forward and pull left motion control lever rearward at the same time.

Sharp Right Turn:

MX12793

· Push left motion control lever forward and pull right motion control lever rearward at the same time.

Starting Engine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move machine to an outside area before running engine. Do not run engine in enclosed area without adequate ventilation. · Connect a pipe extension to engine exhaust pipe to direct exhaust fumes out of the area. · Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

1. Turn fuel shutoff valve to on position.

2. Stand on operator's platform.

3. Lock park brake.

4. Put motion control levers in the neutral position.

MX21492

5. Push PTO switch knob (A) down to disengage PTO.

6. Move throttle lever (B) to set engine speed:

7. Position choke knob (C):

8. Turn key switch (D) to the start position.

9. Release key to the run position when engine starts.

10. With engine started:

· Push choke knob to the off position.

· Move throttle lever to the fast position.

· Unlock park brake.

Engaging Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clear mowing area of all bystanders when operating this machine. Thrown objects could cause serious injury or death. Keep hands and feet away from blades and discharge opening. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

1. Adjust mower deck to desired cutting height.

2. Start engine.

MX21492

3. Move throttle lever (A) to the 1/2-3/4 position.

4. Unlock park brake.

NOTE: In cold weather or with a new machine, it may be necessary to engage choke (B) at the same time as PTO knob (C) to prevent engine from stalling.

5. Pull PTO knob (C) up to engage mower deck.

6. Move throttle lever to the fast position (D).

NOTE: The travel speed and turn rate will vary with the amount that the control levers are moved.

7. Push motion control levers (E) forward slowly. Mow at a safe travel speed.

Stopping the Engine

1. Lock park brake.

2. Move throttle lever to the 1/4 fast position, run for 30 seconds, then move throttle to slow position.

3. Turn key switch to stop position.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended.

4. Remove key.

5. Turn fuel shutoff valve off.

Using Pump Free-Wheel Valves

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! With the pump free-wheel valve open, the machine will have unrestricted motion. · The machine may free-wheel out of control if the pump free-wheel valve is opened with the machine on an incline. · Park machine on a level surface before opening the pump free-wheel valve.

NOTE: The pump free-wheel valves must be fully turned clockwise (closed) during normal machine operation.

When the machine needs to be moved without starting the engine, use the pump free-wheel valves:

1. Lock park brake.

NOTE: The pump (A) is located to the right of the engine. The free-wheel valves (B) can be accessed through the front opening.

MX18678

2. Loosen jamb nuts (outer nut) (C). Turn both pump free-wheel valves (B) counterclockwise approximately one full turn (open position).

3. Unlock park brake.

4. Push machine to desired location. Due to hydraulic system drag, machine will move slowly.

5. Turn both free-wheeling valves (B) one full turn clockwise (closed position). Tighten the valve to 6 N·m (61 lb-in.).

6. Tighten jam nut to 19.6 N·m (173 lb-in.).

7. Lock park brake.

Transporting Machine on a Trailer

Use a heavy-duty trailer to transport your machine. Trailer must have signs and lights required by law.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.

1. Raise mower deck to the transport position.

2. Drive machine onto a trailer.

3. Stop engine and lock park brake.

4. Remove key.

5. Turn fuel shutoff valve to off position.

6. Fasten machine to trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains or cables. Both front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from machine.

Mowing Tips

· Mow grass with throttle lever in the full fast position.

· Cut grass when it is dry.

· Keep mower deck and discharge chute clean.

· Mow with sharp blades.

· Properly level mower deck for a smooth cut.

· Mow grass high and often.

· Use a travel speed that fits the conditions:

· Mow tall or wet grass twice. Cut grass at half desired height - then cut at desired height.

· Travel slow when mowing tall, thick or wet grass.

· Avoid damaging grass by slipping or skidding machine drive wheels. Practice smooth control lever movements.

· When performing sharp turns, do not allow inside machine drive wheel to stop and twist on grass.

Mowing Travel Speeds

Use slow travel speed for:

· Trimming.

· Working in close quarters.

· Mowing tall grass.

Use faster travel speeds for:

· Normal mowing on level ground.

Dismounting to Inspect Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent serious injury. Keep hands and feet away from blades and the discharge opening. Do not step on the mower deck when mounting and dismounting the machine. Mount and dismount the machine using the foot plate.

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Push knob down to disengage PTO.

3. Move motion control levers to the neutral lock position.

4. Lock park brake.

5. Stop engine and remove key. Wait for mower blades to stop turning before leaving operator seat.