Troy-Bilt Bronco 46T Operator's Manual page 19

5. Always look down and behind before and while backing up
slowly to make sure no children are around. After resuming
forward motion, return key to the NORMAL MOWING (a)
position to return to normal mowing operation.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE (b) will remain activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING (a)
position or STOP (e) position.
b. The operator leaves the seat/the parking brake is set
(manual PTO).
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage)
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting
deck. To engage the PTO:
1. Move the throttle to the FAST position.
2. Push the PTO (Blade Engage) Lever forward into the engaged
(ON) position. See Figure 20.
Figure 20
3. To disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), pull the lever
backward, into the disengaged PTO (Blade Engage)
OFF position.
Mowing
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children, and pets at least
75 feet (23 meters) from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris,
sticks, stones, wire, or other objects that can be thrown
by the rotating blades.
NOTE:
Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass.
Premature wear and possible failure of the 'V' belt and PTO clutch
will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non-grassy area
before engaging the mower deck.
OPERATION
WARNING
WARNING
• Mow up and down slopes, not across. If mowing a slope, start
at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or
grass collector is installed.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is prone to weed
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Always operate the tractor with the throttle in the FAST
position while mowing.
• On the first pass, pick a point on the opposite side of the area
to be mowed. Follow the point to maintain a straight line.
• Engage the PTO and move the throttle control or throttle/
choke control to the FAST position.
• Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be
cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the
first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to
the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better
appearance to the lawn.
NOTE:
The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of
the mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the
cut quality.
• Your tractor is designed to cut normal residential grass of a
height no more than 10" (25 cm). Do not attempt to mow
through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry
leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust
and/or build up on the tractor.
• Do not attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or extremely
tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, not
clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
• When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or
stop before turning. A three point turn is recommended.
• Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and
overlap approximately 3" (7.6 cm).
• Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a
previously cut strip.
• To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change
the direction that the strips are mowed by approximately 45°
for the next and each subsequent mowing.
When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass
surface, always:
• Engage the parking brake.
• Shut engine off and remove the ignition key.
• Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your
lawn ''browned'' by hot exhaust from your tractor's
running engine.
19