Test Safety Systems

IMPORTANT: Safety interlock system failure and improper operation of unit can result in death or serious injury. Always know the safety interlock system is operating properly.

TCAL45409
TCAL45409-UN-12APR13


Check Safety Interlock System

Test the safety interlock system at each operation. If the system does not function properly, do not operate the unit until repairs are made.

The engine will only start with the PTO switch (A) disengaged. The shift lever must be in neutral for engine to start.

Engine must not start unless PTO is disengaged and the shift lever (B) is in neutral. To test:

PTO Switch Test

  1. With engine off, engage PTO switch (A).

  2. Turn ignition switch to On. Pull recoil start handle. Engine must not start.

  3. Disengage PTO switch.

The engine must stop whenever the operator removes both hands from controls while the PTO or transmission is engaged. To test:

Operator Presence Controls Test

  1. Start engine and engage PTO switch (A).

  2. Release operator presence control lever(s) (C). Engine must stop.

  3. Disengage PTO switch.

  4. Restart engine.

  5. Place shift lever (B) in Forward.

  6. Release operator presence control lever(s) (C). Engine must stop.


Operator Presence Controls

IMPORTANT: Operate only when operator presence controls are functioning correctly.

The operator presence control levers (C) must be pressed to operate the PTO or traction drive. When the shift lever or PTO is engaged, releasing either operator presence control lever stops the engine.


Steering Levers

CAUTION: When the engine is running and the shift lever is engaged, releasing only one steering latch causes the unit to circle around one drive wheel. Always hold both steering levers against the handlebar when releasing the steering lever latches.

Always release levers slowly.

The steering levers (D) are used to steer, operate in forward and reverse, and stop the unit. When held against the handlebar, the brakes are engaged.


Steering Lever Latches

The steering lever latches (E) hold the steering levers in the neutral position and keep the brakes applied.


Ignition Switch

Operate the ignition switch (F) with the removable key. The switch uses two positions: Off and On. To start the engine, turn the key to On and pull the recoil handle. To stop the engine, turn the key to Off.


Throttle Lever

The throttle lever (G) changes the speed of the engine. Move the throttle lever all the way forward to fast to increase engine speed. Move the lever to all the way back to slow to decrease engine speed.


Choke Control

Use the choke control (H) to start a cold engine. Pull the control out to choke the engine. Push the control in when the engine gets warm.


Shift Lever

The shift lever (B) sets the direction and speed of the unit:

  • R = reverse
  • N = neutral
  • 1 = the slowest forward speed
  • 5 = the fastest forward speed.

PTO Clutch

Pull the PTO (power take off) switch (A) out to on position to engage the mower blades. Push the PTO switch inward to off position to disengage the mower blades.


Recoil Starter Handle

Pull the recoil starter handle to start the engine.

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