Operating instructions

12 DR
®
FIELD and BRUSH MOWER
Before Starting the Engine
1. Check the oil level every time you use the machine.
2. Check the gas level.
3. Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve, which is located on the bottom of the Fuel Tank and accessed from the rear (Figure 1 on page
8), if your model is equipped with one.
Starting
1. Move the Shift Lever to N (Neutral). (Figure 1 on page 8.
NOTE: The Shift Lever MUST be in NEUTRAL and the Blade Engage Button pushed DOWN, or the Engine will not start.
2. Move the Throttle (Figure 1 on page 8) to the CHOKE position (to the RUN position if the Engine is already warm).
3. Turn the Key (Figure 1 on page 8) to the START position until the Engine starts, then release. The Key will snap back to the
RUN position and the Engine will continue to run.
4. Move the Throttle to the RUN position.
Engaging the Wheel Drive
The DR FIELD and BRUSH MOWER has a four-speed Forward and single-speed Reverse Transmission. Forward speeds range
from 1.1 mph in 1st Gear to 4.5 mph in 4th Gear. Use the lower gears for mowing in thick, woody vegetation and the higher gears
for wide-open areas and lighter vegetation, or as "travel gears". Reverse is ideal for maneuvering in tight spots.
NOTE: Always release the Wheel Clutch Lever (Figure 1, on page 8) when shifting gears.
1. Move the Shift Lever to the desired gear.
2. Disengage the Parking Brake.
3. Gently squeeze the Wheel Clutch Lever to engage the Wheel Drive.
4. Release the Wheel Clutch Lever if you need to slow down or stop.
Engaging the Blade
1. Squeeze the Operator Presence Lever against the Handlebar Grip (Figure 1, on page 8).
2. Engage the Blade by pulling UP on the Blade Control Knob (Figure 1, on page 8).
NOTE: If you pull UP on the Blade Control Knob before holding down the Operator Presence Lever, the Engine will shut off.
Stopping the Blade
1. Stop the Blade by pushing DOWN on the Blade Control Knob (Figure 1, on page 8).
NOTE: Releasing the Operator Presence Lever to disengage the Blade will cause the Engine to shut off.
Stopping the Engine
1. Disengage the Blade by pushing DOWN on the Blade Control Knob (Figure 1, on page 8).
2. Set the Parking Brake by squeezing the Lever and lifting up on the Lock pin.
3. Move the Shift Lever to the N (Neutral) position.
Always disengage the blade of the DR FIELD and BRUSH MOWER before shifting into reverse.