Operation; Before First Time Operation; Checks Before Starting; Starting The Unit - Ferris Rover Series Operator's Manual

Operation

Before First Time Operation

• Be sure to read all information in the Operator
Safety and Operation sections before attempting to
operate this unit.
• Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop
the unit.
• Drive in an open area without operating the spreader and/
or sprayer to become accustomed to the unit.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 8 degrees.
• Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with any
accessories attached to the unit.
• Operate across slopes, NOT up and down. Use caution
when changing direction on slopes and do NOT start or
stop on a slope.
WARNING
• Never allow passengers to ride on the unit.
• Before leaving the operator's platform for any reason,
engage the parking brake, and turn off spreader and
sprayer functions.
• Fuel is highly flammable and must be handled with
care. Never fill the tank when the engine is hot from
recent operation. Do NOT allow open flame, smoking,
or matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up
any spills.

Checks Before Starting

• Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the filler neck with fresh
fuel. This will allow for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.
Refer to the engine manual for fuel recommendations. Do
not add oil to the gasoline.
• Understand the controls, their locations, their functions,
and their safety requirements.
• Refer to Maintenance, Storage, and Safety section to
learn how to perform all the necessary inspection and
maintenance steps.

Starting the Unit

1. Position the unit on a flat, level surface.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N) position and move
the engine ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Open the fuel shut-off valves (located on the engine and
below the fuel tank).
4. A warm engine may not require choking. If engine is
cold, activate the choke lever.
5. Firmly grasp the engine start cord handle. Pull the handle
toward the rear of the machine.
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6. After engine has started, gradually deactivate choke
lever.
7. Carefully step onto the operator platform.
8. Move the transmission lever to desired location.
9. Slowly squeeze the throttle lever to begin driving.

Stopping the Unit

1. Position the unit on a flat, level surface.
2. Slowly release the throttle lever.
3. Move the transmission lever to the neutral (N) position.
4. Move the engine ignition switch to the OFF position.

Operating the Spreader

The spreader has a pattern width of approximately 14 feet. By
using passes with an approximate 7 foot width, the granular
product will be evenly distributed with the proper amount of
overlap.
1. Adjust the gate stop to the desired setting.
2. Completely close the hopper gate and add fertilizer to the
hopper.
3. Install the hopper shower cap if necessary.
4. Carefully step onto the operator platform.
5. Place the gear selector in second gear (2).
6. Squeeze the throttle lever to start the machine rolling
forward.
7. Slide the gate lever to the OPEN position.
8. To stop the spreading operation, slide the gate lever
to the CLOSED position, release the throttle lever, and
depress the brake pedal.

Transporting the Unit

WARNING
Use extreme caution when loading the unit onto a trailer or
rack.
• Ramps should be long enough so that the angle
between the ramp and ground does not exceed 12
degrees.
• Use first gear (1) when loading and unloading the
machine.
1. Drive the unit onto on a heavy-duty trailer or hitch-
mounted rack.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Use straps, cable, chains, or rope to securely fasten the
unit down.
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