Operator's Manual
21
Testing the Safety Interlock System
Test the safety interlock system before you use the machine
each time. If the safety system does not operate as
described below, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair
the safety system immediately.
1. Set the parking brake, disengage the PTO and place the
throttle forward. Start the engine. With the engine
running squeeze the bail against upper control bar and
push the mower blade control lever forward. The
mower blades begin rotating.
2. With the engine running, release the bail. The engine
should stop.
3. Start the engine again.
4. With the engine running, move the throttle lever all the
way back, to stop. The engine should stop.
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.
Driving Forward
1. To go forward, move the shift lever to a forward gear.
2. Release the parking brake; refer to Releasing the
Parking Brake, page 19.
3. Slowly press on the upper control bar to move forward
(Fig. 20).
To go straight, apply equal pressure to both ends of the
upper control bar (Fig. 20).
To turn, release pressure on the upper control bar side
toward the direction you want to turn (Fig. 20).
1
2
m–7587
Figure 20
1. Upper control bar 2. Lower control bar
Driving Backward
1. To go backward, move the shift lever to a reverse gear.
2. Release the parking brake; refer to Releasing the
Parking Brake, page 19.
3. Slowly squeeze on the lower control bar and handle
together to move rearward (Fig. 20).
Operating the Lower Control
Bar
This procedure is for driving up a curb. This can be
performed while driving forward or backward.
1. Disengage the mower blades.
A blade can be bent or damaged when driving up a
curb. Pieces of blade that may be thrown could
seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.
• Do not run blades while driving up a curb
forward or backward.
Warning
2. Select first gear or reverse to drive machine.
3. Drive machine until drive wheels contact curb (Fig. 22).
Note: Both drive wheels should contact the curb and caster
wheels straight.
4. At the same time engage lower control bar and lift up
on handle (Fig. 21 and 22).
Note: Lifting up on handle will assist driving the machine
up a curb and not spin the drive wheels.
m–5704
Figure 21
1. Lower Control Bar
(Engaged)
2. Handle