Engaging The Deck Drive (Cutter Blades); Hillside Operation - Scag Power Equipment FREEDOM Z SFZ-48H-24KT Operator's Manual

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4.7 ENGAGING THE DECK DRIVE (CUTTER
BLADES)
1. Set the throttle at about 3/4 speed. Do not attempt to
engage the deck drive at high speed as this shortens
the electric clutch life — use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the deck drive.
2. Engage the deck drive by pulling out on the yellow
switch, located on the instrument panel, to the
engage position. See Figure 4-3.
Figure 4-3. Cutter Engage Switch
- NOTE -
A squealing noise may be heard when engaging
or disengaging the deck drive. It is caused by the
electric clutch plates meshing as the mower comes
up to speed. This is normal.
3. To disengage the deck drive, push the switch in to
the disengage position.
4. Always operate the engine at full throttle to properly
maintain cutting speed. If the engine starts to lug
down, reduce the forward speed and allow the
engine to operate at maximum RPM.
PULL UP TO ENGAGE
PUSH DOWN TO DISENGAGE
390S0138

4.8 HILLSIDE OPERATION

WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. To check a slope,
attempt to back up it (with the cutter deck down).
If the machine can back up the slope without the
wheels slipping, reduce speed and use extreme
caution. Under no circumstances should the
machine be operated on slopes greater than 15
degrees. See Figure 2-2, Page 7 to help determine
approximate slope of area to be mowed. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
1. This mower has been designed for good traction
and stability under normal mowing conditions.
However, caution must be used when traveling on
slopes, especially when the grass is wet. Wet grass
reduces traction and steering control. The Roll-Over
Protection System is standard equipment for this
machine. See Section 2.6, page 6 of this manual for
further details.
2. Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs,
ditches, water and retaining walls.
3. Some areas may need to be mowed with a walk-
behind mower or string trimmer.
4. To prevent tipping or loss of control, do not start or
stop suddenly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel
at reduced speed. If tires lose traction, disengage
blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
5. Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill. Sudden
starts may cause the machine to tip backwards.
6. Loss of traction may occur when traveling down hill.
Weight transfers to the front of the machine and
may cause the drive wheels to slip causing loss of
braking or steering.
7. Keep tires properly inflated.
8. Use caution when operating the mower on an incline
with the optional grass catcher installed.
16
Section 4