Operator's Manual

28
Operating Characteristics
Familiarization
Before mowing grass, practice operating machine in an
open area. Start and stop the engine. Operate in forward
and reverse. Lower and raise cutting units and engage and
disengage reels. When you feel familiar with the machine,
practice operating up and down slopes at different speeds.
The brakes can be used to assist in turning the machine.
However, use them carefully, especially on soft or wet
grass conditions because the turf may be torn accidentally.
Individual turning brakes may also be used to help maintain
traction. For example, in some slope conditions, the uphill
wheel slips and loses traction. If this situation occurs,
depress uphill turn pedal gradually and intermittently until
the uphill wheel stops slipping, thus, increasing traction on
the downhill wheel.
Important Before mowing grass, practice operating the
machine in turns. Turf damage in turns may occur
especially under soft or wet grass conditions if the turn is
completed at a high speed or at a small turning radius.
Maintain a speed below 3 MPH during a turn and a turning
radius greater than 8 feet to minimize turf damage from
tires or cutting units. Mounting the cutting units with the
steering pin in the front mounting hole (see page 10) will
allow the cutting unit to steer itself as the traction unit turns
providing optimum maneuverability and cutting
performance in turns. During cross-cutting of fairways, a
“tear drop” shape turn is recommended to increase cutting
productivity and minimize turf damage.
Danger
When operating the machine, always use the seat
belt and ROPS together. Do not use a seat belt
without a ROPS.
Warning System
If a warning light comes on during operation, stop the
machine immediately and correct the problem before
continuing operation. Serious damage could occur if the
machine is operated with a malfunction.
Important The Red Diagnostic Light , on the steering
tower, indicates when the glow plugs are ON. The machine
should not be started until the glow plug cycle is complete.
Mowing
Start engine and move throttle to FAST so engine is
running at maximum speed. Move the ENABLE/DISABLE
switch to ENABLE and use the LOWER MOW/RAISE
lever to control the cutting units (front cutting units are
timed to lower before the rear cutting units). To move
forward and cut grass, press traction pedal forward.
Maintain a speed which does not result in the Reel Control
LIght being illuminated. Gradually increase or decrease
traction speed to ensure proper clip is maintained.
Transport
Move the ENABLE/DISABLE switch to Joy Stick
DISABLE (mid position), lock brake pedals together and
raise the cutting units to the transport position. Be careful
when driving between objects so you do not accidentally
damage the machine or cutting units. Use extra care when
operating machine on slopes. Drive slowly and avoid sharp
turns on slopes to prevent roll overs. The cutting units
should be lowered when going downhill for steering
control.