Walker MS Operator's Manual

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

Operating Instructions26Engine ThrottleThe throttle control lever (red knob) is located on theleft side of the seat and is used to control enginespeed. Moving the lever forward toward the FASTposition increases engine speed; moving it back-ward toward the IDLE position decreases enginespeed.Throttle ChokeChoke and Throttle LocationForward Speed Control (FSC)Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:One is to set forward travel speed, and the other isto establish the NEUTRAL-PARK position. Whenthe FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD posi-tion, a friction lock holds any forward speed settingfrom 0 to 5 mph (0 to 8 km/h). The ground speed isproportional to the lever position; the further the le-ver is advanced forward, the faster the tractormoves. It is not necessary to hold the FSC in posi-tion since the friction lock maintains the selectedlever position. Pulling back on the steering leversoverrides the FSC setting and slows or stops for-ward travel. Releasing the steering levers allowsthe tractor to resume forward travel at the speed setby the FSC lever. To stop and park the machine, theFSC lever is moved backward to the NEUTRAL-PARK position.Steering LeversEach drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-dent steering lever, for both steering function andFORWARD/REVERSE motion. The FSC lever setsthe maximum forward speed, and also sets the for-ward position of the steering levers. The steeringlevers operate only with a backward pulling move-ment of the lever, which causes the drive wheel forthat lever to first slow down, stop, and then reversewith a full backward lever stroke. The levers arereleased to the FORWARD position for “straight-ahead” ground travel.NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers willnot cause any change in tractor motion - there willbe no steering lever reaction and there will be nomachine damage.Blade Clutch (PTO)The blade clutch lever is located on the right side ofthe seat behind the right fender and is used to en-gage and disengage the mower blades. The bladeclutch has two positions. Pushing the lever BACK-WARD engages the PTO that drives the mowerblades. Pulling the lever FORWARD disengagesthe PTO and engages the blade brake.NOTE: On GHS equipped models, the Powerfil®motor and Grass-Pak ® full signal switch are acti-vated by engaging the blade clutch. Refer to Usingthe GHS Catcher in this section for a complete de-scription of GHS operation.Parking BrakeThe parking brake functions by locking a pin into thehydrostatic transmission pinion gear teeth. Movingthe lever FORWARD engages the parking brake;moving the lever BACKWARD releases the brake.IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely beforeengaging the parking brake. The parking brakeuses a positive mechanical lock similar to the PARKposition on an automotive automatic transmission.If the tractor is moving when the brake is engaged,it will result in sudden stoppage and possible inter-nal damage to the axle drive.NOTE: If pressure on the parking brake pin (e.g.,parked on a hill) makes it impossible to release theparking brake with the parking brake lever, move themower gently forward or backward to release thepin.