1. Control panel
2. Ignition key—run position
3. Ignition key—start position 6. Start
5. After the engine starts, move the throttle lever to Fast
(Figure 13).
Note: If the engine stalls or hesitates, move the
throttle lever back to Choke for a few seconds. Repeat
this as required.
Operating the Blades
The blade-control switch, represented by a power take-off
(PTO) symbol, engages and disengages power to the mower
blades. This switch controls power to any attachments that
draw power from the engine, including the mower deck and
cutting blades.
Engaging the Blades
Important: Do not engage the blades when parked in
tall grass; belt or clutch damage can occur.
1. Release the pressure on the motion-control levers, and
place the machine in neutral.
2. Move the throttle to the Fast position.
Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in
the Fast position.
3. Pull up on the blade-control switch to move it to the
On position, and engage the blades (Figure 15).
Figure 14
4. Off
5. Run
1. Control panel
Disengaging the Blades
Push down on the blade-control switch to move it to the Off
position, and disengage the blades (Figure 16).
1. Control panel
Testing the Safety-interlock
System
Test the safety-interlock system before you use the machine
each time. If the safety system does not operate as described
below, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety
system immediately.
1. While sitting on the seat, with the control levers in park
position, and move the blade-control switch to On.
2. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank.
3. While sitting on the seat, move the blade-control
switch to Off.
4. Move either motion-control lever to the center,
unlocked position.
5. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank.
16
Figure 15
2. Blade-control switch—On
position
Figure 16
2. Blade-control switch—Off