Operation - Ferris Venture Series Operator's Manual

Operator Instructions

Operation

• Keep both feet on the operator platform at all times.
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Operate only in the daylight or with good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from
the operator's position.
• Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled
equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don't run.
Reduced footing could cause slipping.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf
conditions can affect the machines stability. Use caution
when operating near drop-offs.
• Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while traveling
in reverse.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disen-
gage the spreader spinner, set parking brake, stop en-
gine, and remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands
and feet away from the rotating parts.
• Turn off switches to disengage the spreader spinner
and sprayer pump when not operating.
• Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all switches are attached, adjusted properly and
functioning properly.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
spreader spinner and sprayer pump, engage parking
brake, shut off engine before leaving the operator's posi-
tion for any reason.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Disengage spreader spin-
ner and sprayer pump if not operating.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves,
and excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass
or combustible materials.
Controls
The user should become familiar with all controls before
operating the machine.
• Motion Control Levers: The motion control levers
provide steering and speed control of the machine and
should be grasped with the hands at the location of the
foam grips. Moving the motion control levers forward
engages the drive wheels in a forward direction. Moving
the motion control levers rearward engages the drive
wheels in a rearward direction. The speed and direction
of the machine may be controlled by varying the position
of each motion control lever relative to the stationary
handlebar.
• Throttle lever: The throttle lever controls the speed of
the engine. Moving the throttle lever forward increases
the engine speed. Moving the throttle lever rearward
decreases the engine speed.
• Choke lever: The choke lever adjusts the choke setting
on the engine for starting and operating the engine when
cold. The choke is engaged by moving the choke lever
forward. The choke is disengaged by moving the choke
lever rearward.
• Gate lever: The gate lever is located on the front of the
console and controls the opening at the bottom of the
hopper. Pushing forward on the gate lever causes the
gate to close so that no granular product will flow out of
the bottom of the hopper. Pulling backward on the gate
lever causes the gate to open so that granular product will
flow.
• Console spray switch: The console spray switch turns
the pump on and off. The pump is off when the switch is
in the "OFF" position. The pump runs continuously when
the switch is in the "ON" position.
• Foot platform spray switch: The foot platform spray
switch turns the pump on and off. The pump is off when
no pressure is applied to the switch. The pump is on
when pressure is applied to the top of the switch. This
switch is intermittent and only operates the pump when
pressure is applied to the switch.
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