Walker MS Operator's Manual

Also see for MS: Detailed instructions Owner's manual Illustrated parts manual Owner's manual

Safety Instructions - Operating121. Operate the mower only in daylight or ingood artificial light with good visibility of the areabeing mowed.2. Sit on the seat when starting the engine andoperating the machine. Keep feet on the deckfootrests at all times when the tractor is movingand/or mower blades are operating. Never op-erate the tractor without a deck or imple-ment installed.3. For a beginning operator, learn to steer (ma-neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speedbefore attempting any mowing operation.Be aware that, with the front mounted mowerconfiguration, the back of the tractor swings tothe outside during turns.DANGERDo not mow around overhanging treebranches or bushes at the same height asthe operator’s torso and head where inad-vertent contact may cause injury.4. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forwardmotion of the tractor can always be stopped bypulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) intothe NEUTRAL-PARK position.5. In case either of the transmission drive beltsbreak during operation, and if the machine is ona slope, the machine will freewheel down theslope. To maintain control, immediately (1)Release the steering levers and simultaneously(2) Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK posi-tion. When the machine is stopped or movingslowly, engage the parking brake.NOTE: This is exactly the same procedureused to normally stop and park the machine.6. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC inthe NEUTRAL-PARK position before startingthe engine (an ignition interlock switch normallyprevents starting of the machine if these con-trols are in the OPERATING position).7. Do not operate machine if the operator pres-ence safety switch system is not working.Verify proper operation by having the operatorlift off the seat with the engine running and mov-ing two controls, one at a time; (1) Move theFSC lever out of the NEUTRAL-PARK position,and (2) Engage the PTO Clutch. Moving eithercontrol should stop the engine immediately.8. Do not run the engine in a confined areawithout adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumesare hazardous and can be deadly.9. Do not carry passengers - maximum seatingcapacity is one (1) person.10. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrainand for other hidden hazards. When mowingtall grass, mow higher than desired to exposeany hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area andmow to the desired height.11. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before back-ing the machine up, look to the rear to be sureno one is behind the machine. Watch carefullyfor traffic when crossing or working near road-ways.12. When moving forward, do not suddenly put thetractor in reverse by rapidly pulling on the steer-ing levers, especially when going downhill, asthis can lift the tractor tail wheel off the groundand set up a bucking motion due to operatorovercontrol. If bucking does occur, immediatelystop the bucking action by pulling the ForwardSpeed Control (FSC) lever into the NEUTRAL-PARK position.13. Disengage the blade drive when transportingthe machine across drives, sidewalks, etc. Nev-er raise the mower deck while blades arerotating.DANGERDo not mow or drive the tractor within5 feet (1.5 meters) of an embankment or re-taining wall with drop off.