Use and Care Manual

15 — English
Mowing:
Raise the mower deck to its highest position.
Insert start key and turn to ON position.
Release the parking brake.
Press the accelerator pedal and drive to desired mowing
location.
Stop the mower, turn key to OFF position, and set the
parking brake.
Lower cutting deck to desired position.
Turn start key to ON position and release parking brake.
Raise blade engage knob to activate blades and press
accelerator pedal to mow as desired.
WARNING:
Use caution when crossing over gravel paths or drive-
ways. Before crossing, disengage the blades and raise
the cutting deck to the highest position to minimize the
possibility of ricochet. Drive slowly to avoid loss of trac-
tion and control.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to change the direction of operation while
the mower is in motion. Always come to a complete stop
before changing the mower direction.
Reverse mode operation:
NOTICE:
The mower will emit a constant beeping sound when
operated in reverse with either the blade off or in reverse
mode operation.
Depress the brake pedal and bring the mower to a com-
plete stop.
Push blade engage knob down to turn blades off.
Press the reverse mode button.
Raise the blade engage knob, slowly press reverse pedal,
and reverse mow as needed.
WARNING:
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing
to make sure no children, bystanders, or pets enter the
mowing area. Be aware that the reverse mode operation
is activated when the reverse mode button is illuminated
in red and a constant beeping sound is emitted. Remem-
ber that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to
inflict death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Be especially careful before and when backing and turn-
ing around with the bagger kit installed, as it may limit
visibility. Always look closely behind and down for small
children, bystanders, and pets and move the mower
slowly to prevent back over accidents that can cause
death or serious personal injury.
When mowing is complete:
Stop mower on a flat, level surface. Do not stop the mower
on a slope.
Push the blade engage knob down to turn blades off.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the start key OFF.
Remove the start key if leaving the mower unattended,
even if just for a brief period.
WARNING:
If the mower emits a beeping noise after you leave the
seat, verify that the parking brake is set and the key has
been removed. Failure to set the parking brake could
cause the mower to move, and leaving the key could
allow unauthorized use that could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
NOTE: Reverse mode operation resets each time the power
switch is turned to the OFF position.
MOWING TIPS
See Figure 9.
Keep mower blades sharp.
Make sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wires, toys,
tree nuts, tree branches, and other objects that could
damage the lawn mower blades or motor. Do not mow
over property stakes or other metal posts. Such objects
could damage the blade or be accidentally thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury
to the operator and others.
For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less of the
total length of the grass.
When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so
that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences,
driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the op-
posite direction, making left hand turns until finished.
Mow so that discharged clippings exit in the direction of
the lawn area that has already been cut.
When cutting heavy grass, reduce speed to allow for more
effective cutting and a proper discharge of the clippings.
Do not cut wet grass. Mowing on wet surfaces can cause
loss of control, and wet grass will stick to the underside
of the deck and prevent proper bagging or mulching of
grass clippings.
OPERATION