Operating

Daily Operating Checklist

o Test safety systems.

o Check tire pressure.

o Check fuel level.

o Check engine oil level.

o Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, and on top of mower deck, before and after operating machine.

o Clean air intake screen.

o Check area below machine for leaks.

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.

Adjusting Handlebar

NOTE: Make sure bracket (B) is straight up and down, and not at an angle.

MX12973

1. Loosen nut (A) on each side of machine.

2. Position handlebar to desired position and tighten nut (A).

Using Operator Controls

Using Run Switch

Push run/off toggle switch forward to run engine.

• Pull run/off toggle switch back (toward operator) to stop engine.

Using Operator Presence Bail

The operator presence bail stops all moving parts when released.

The operator presence bail when squeezed with handlebar permits engagement of the clutch lever.

Using Travel Clutch Lever (Forward Travel)

1. Hold operator presence bail to handlebar.

2. Push travel clutch lever forward to engage drive clutch.

3. Release bail to stop travel.

Using Park Brake Lever

Release operator presence bail and pull brake lever back to stop mower movement.

Using Throttle Lever

Use throttle lever to adjust engine speed and rate of travel.

Pull lever back (toward operator) to reduce engine speed.

Adjust throttle lever depending on rate of travel, cutting height, and ground contour.

Using Choke Lever

Move choke lever left toward the decal for the choke position.

Using Fuel Shut-Off Valve

This unit is equipped with a 2-position fuel shut-off valve. Slide lever to the right to open or to the left to close the fuel shut-off valve.

Closed (off) position:

• When performing any type of engine service.

• When transporting.

• During storage.

Open (on) position:

• Fuel shut-off valve must be in the full open (on) position for proper fuel delivery to the engine.

Using Reel Clutch Handle

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

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clutch handle may be difficult to turn, requiring extra effort. Do not grab reel with hand to loosen clutch handle as blades are sharp.

NOTE: Do not force or kick the clutch handle; the machine may need to be rocked to move handle.

Use clutch handle only when cutting. Clutch must be at stop when transporting. Never engage reel clutch when mower is moving.

• Clutch handle points toward the rear when at stop and full forward when at the mow position.

• Handle will turn 180 degrees from stop to mow.

NOTE: Reel will turn only when travel clutch lever is engaged and reel clutch handle is in the mow position.

Using Greens Tender Conditioner (GTC) Handle

Turn handle up in the (detent) position for run.

Turn handle down in the (detent) position for off.

Using Reel Clutch Handle

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

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clutch handle may be difficult to turn, requiring extra effort. Do not grab reel with hand to loosen clutch handle as blades are sharp.

NOTE: Do not force or kick the clutch handle, the machine may need to be rocked to move handle.

Use clutch handle only when cutting. Clutch must be at stop when transporting. Never engage reel clutch when mower is moving.

MX21101

• Clutch handle (A) points toward the rear when at stop and full forward when at the mow position.

• Handle will turn 180 degrees from stop to mow.

NOTE: Reel will turn only when travel clutch lever is engaged and reel clutch handle is in the mow position.

Removing Transport Wheels

MX6037

1. Place machine on stand (A).

MX6034

2. Release latch (B) and slide wheel from shaft. Repeat procedure for other side.

Starting the Engine

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.

1. Lock park brake lever.

2. Disengage reel and drive clutches.

3. Push run/off switch forward to on the position.

4. Move throttle lever to half open position.

M86618

5. Turn fuel shut-off valve (A) to the on position.

6. Set choke (B) at closed position.

7. Pull starter handle (C).

NOTE: If engine fails to start after three attempts, return choke to open.

8. Move choke to the open position after engine has started.

9. Allow engine to warm up before applying load.

Stopping the Engine

1. Release operator presence bail.

2. Pull throttle lever all the way back (toward operator). Let engine idle 2-4 minutes to allow engine to cool down.

NOTE: If mower will not be used for a long period, close fuel shut-off valve (A) and leave run/off switch in the run position.

Engine will continue to run for a few minutes.

After engine stops completely, pull run/off switch back (toward operator) to stop the position.

3. Pull run/off switch back (toward operator) to stop engine.

MX11246

4. Turn fuel shut-off valve (A) to the off position.

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 Park Brake

1. Engage park brake.

2. Run engine at low idle.

3. Engage operator presence bail.

4. Slowly engage travel clutch lever.

Result: Engine should stall with no movement of the mower.

Testing Run Switch

1. Flip run switch rearward (toward operator) to OFF position.

2. Pull start handle.

Result: Engine should not start.

Testing Operator Presence Bail

1. Operate machine in clear open area.

2. Release operator presence bail.

Result: Cutting reel should stop rotating and machine should stop moving forward. Engine should continue to run.

Transporting Machine on Trailer

Be sure trailer has all the necessary lights and signs 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. Move forward onto heavy-duty trailer.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Machines with fuel shut-off: Turn fuel shut-off to off position.

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