Use and Care Guide

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The operation of any mower can produce foreign objects to be thrown into the
eyes, resulting in severe eye damage. Always wear certified safety glasses or
wide-vision safety goggles over spectacles before starting any cutting machine and
while operating such a machine.
The operation of any mower produces sound waves that are damaging to the
human ear. Ear protection is recommended.
CAUTION!
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of
children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
OPERATING YOUR NEW WALK BEHIND
INTENDED USE
This is not a lawn mower. The Predator and Predator Talon is designed for cutting
overgrown brush, weeds, and other types of organic growth. This unit is capable of
clearing small saplings of 1.5” in diameter or less to a height of approximately 4”.
TRAVEL SPEED
Speed can be changed by choosing a higher or lower gear using the gearshift lever
located on the handle bars. Do not adjust the speed with the blade engaged. To shift the
cutter into reverse, release the “GROUND CONTROL” lever, disengage the blade, and
rotate the shift lever to the left. Press down slightly on the lever to pass the step and
continue to rotate the lever to the left “R” position.
PROPULSION
The Predator and Predator Talon are self-propelled and controlled by a “GROUND
CONTROL” lever. To engage the drive, shift the transaxle to a gear and activate the left
handle bar lever by squeezing it against the handle. Releasing the lever will disengage
the self-propel.
Under most conditions cutting should be done in a low gear (1
st
or 2
nd
). Upper gears
should be used for conditions where weeds and brush are thinned out or not as tall. In
confined areas the machine can be pushed forwards or backwards by releasing the
“GROUND CONTROL” lever, shifting the transaxle to neutral, and pushing the
machine.
ENGAGING THE BLADE
An “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever and a “BLADE ENGAGE” control work together
to engage the blade. Both devices must be activated before the blade will work.
Releasing the “OPERATOR PRESENCE” lever will disengage both the blade and the
“BLADE ENGAGE” control.
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