OPERATION
5. When the machine is standing still, activate
the park brake by pulling the lever upward.
If the engine has been worked hard, let it to
idle at least 60 seconds and get to a normal
operating temperature before stopping. To
prevent fouling the spark plugs, avoid idling
the engine for longer periods.
6. Turn the ignition key to the stop position and
remove the key. Always remove the key when
leaving the mower to prevent unauthorized
use.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Leaving the
ignition switch in a position than OFF will cause
the battery to be discharged.
Operating on Hills
Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes
in the Safety section.
• Use the slowest speed possible before starting
up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
• If stopping is necessary, pull drive levers into
the neutral position and push outward. Engage
the park brake.
• To restart movement, release the park brake.
• Pull the control levers back to the center of the
mower and press forward to regain forward
motion.
• Make all turns slowly.
WARNING! Do not drive the rider on
terrain that slopes more than 10 degrees. Mow
slopes up and down, never side to side. Avoid
sudden directional changes.
Mowing Tips
• Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects
to avoid collisions.
• Begin with a high cutting height and reduce
it until the desired mowing result is attained.
Cut the average lawn to 2-1/2" during the cool
season and over 3" during the hot months. For
healthier and better looking lawns, mow often
after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, mow grass over
6" in height twice. Make the first cut relatively
high; the second to the desired height.
• The mowing result will be best with a high
engine speed (the blades rotate rapidly) and
low speed (the rider moves slowly). If the grass
is not too long and dense, the driving speed can
be increased without negatively affecting the
mowing result.
• The finest lawns are obtained by mowing
often. The lawn becomes more even and the
grass clippings more evenly distributed over
the mown area. The total time taken is not
increased as a higher operating speed can be
used without poor mowing results.
• When mowing large areas, start by turning to
the right so that clippings will discharge away
from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one
or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction
making left hand turns until finished.
• Avoid mowing wet lawns. The mowing result
is poorer because the wheels sink into the soft
lawn, clumps build, and grass clippings fasten
under the cowling.
• Hose the mower deck underside with water
after each use. When cleaning, the mower deck
shall be raised into the transport position. Make
sure the mower is cooled and the engine is off.
• Use compressed air to clean top surface of
the deck. Avoid flooding water on top surface,
engine and electrical components.
• When the mulching kit is used, it is important
that the mowing interval is frequent.
19