Figure 17
1. Upper control bar
2. Blade control bail
Disengaging the Mower Blades (PTO)
Release the blade control bail to disengage the
blades (Figure 17).
The Safety Interlock System
If safety interlock switches are disconnected
or damaged the machine could operate
unexpectedly causing personal injury.
• Do not tamper with the interlock
switches.
• Check the operation of the interlock
switches daily and replace any damaged
switches before operating the machine.
Understanding the Safety Interlock
System
The safety interlock system is designed to prevent
the mower blades from rotating unless:
• The control bail is depressed.
• The blade control switch (PTO) is pulled on.
The safety interlock system is designed to
stop the mower blades if you release the blade
control bail.
3. Power take off switch (PTO)
Testing the Safety Interlock System
Test the safety interlock system before you use the
machine each time.
Note: If the safety system does not operate
as described below, have an Authorized Service
Dealer repair the safety system immediately.
1. Set the parking brake and start the engine;
refer to Starting and Stopping the Engine in
Operation, page 18.
2. Squeeze the blade control bail against upper
control bar. The blades should not rotate.
3. Then continue holding the blade control bail
and pull up on the blade control switch and
release. The clutch should engage and the
mower blades begin rotating.
4. Release the blade control bail. The blades
should stop rotating.
5. With the engine running, pull up the blade
control switch (PTO) and release without
holding the blade control bail. The blades
should not rotate.
Driving Forward or
Backward
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as
measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Place
the throttle control in the fast position for best
mowing performance.
Driving Forward
1. To go forward, move the shift lever to a
forward gear (Figure 18).
2. Release the parking brake; refer to Releasing
the Parking Brake in Brake Maintenance,
page 36.
3. Slowly press on the upper control bar to move
forward (Figure 18).
To go straight, apply equal pressure to both
ends of the upper control bar (Figure 18).
To turn, release pressure on the upper control
bar side in the direction you want to turn
(Figure 18).
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