Stopping The Engine; Using The Self-Propel Drive; Pulling The Lawn Mower Rearward; Checking The Control Bar Operation - Toro 20487 Operator's Manual

Stopping the Engine

1. Release the control bar to stop the blade and the
traction drive.
2. Move the ground speed control to the N (Neutral)
position.
3. Move the throttle to the
behind the handle until all moving parts stop.

Using the Self-propel Drive

The lawn mower has three ground speeds: speed 1 is slow,
speed 2 is medium, and speed 3 is a fast-walking pace.
1. Move the ground speed control to the desired setting.
2. Move the control bar down to A and raise to B to
engage the blade (Fig. 9).
Figure 9
1. Speed varies
3. Squeeze the control bar against the handle (C) to
engage the traction drive (Fig. 9).
The ground speed varies depending on the space
between the control bar and the handle. To disengage
the traction drive but keep the blade engaged,
gradually release the control bar to the middle position
(Fig. 9).
To self-propel with the blade disengaged, simply
squeeze the control bar against the handle, eliminating
the downward movement necessary to engage the
blade.
(Off) position and stay
145
2. Middle position
Note: Do not shift speeds while squeezing the control bar
against the handle in the C (drive) position (Fig. 9); this
can damage the transmission. Move the control bar to
the middle position when you change the ground speed.
You vary the ground speed by increasing or decreasing the
distance between the control bar and the handle. Lower
the control bar to slow the lawn mower when making a
turn or if the lawn mower moves too fast for you. If you
lower the control bar too far, the lawn mower will stop
self-propelling. Squeeze the control bar closer to the
handle to increase the ground speed. When the control bar
is tight against the handle, the lawn mower will
self-propel at the maximum ground speed. Move the
ground speed control to the N (Neutral) position when
using the lawn mower for trimming.
Pulling the Lawn Mower
Rearward
Your lawn mower comes with free-wheeling clutches
which make it easier to pull the lawn mower rearward.
You must lower the control bar enough to disengage the
self-propel drive and disengage the clutches before pulling
the lawn mower rearward. You may need to push the lawn
mower forward one inch or more after you release the
control bar to disengage both the self-propel drive the
clutches.
For example, if you approach an object such as a tree or
bush from which you want to pull back the lawn mower,
lower the control bar just enough to disengage the traction
drive when the lawn mower is about six inches away from
the object. The momentum of the lawn mower should
carry it forward at least one inch which will disengage the
clutches. You should then be able to easily pull the lawn
mower rearward.
Adjust the self-propel cable properly so that you can lower
the control bar comfortably to stop the traction drive
without stopping the engine. Refer to Adjusting the
Self-propel Drive Cable on page 22 for cable adjustment
information. If you need help, see your Authorized
Service Dealer.
Checking the Control Bar
Operation
Check the control bar before each use to ensure that the
Blade Brake Clutch (BBC) system is operating properly.
Normal Control Bar Operation Test
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Move the lawn mower onto a paved surface in a
non-windy area.
10