Walker MT - Manual (Page 44)

Operating Instructions
40
3. After the engine starts, make sure the oil pres-
sure light goes off. If not, stop the engine imme-
diately and find the cause of the problem. Make
sure the oil pressure light is off prior to engaging
the mower blades and beginning operation.
4. For Model MT and MTL, gradually move the
choke to the OFF position, keeping enough
choke on to allow the engine to run smoothly
as it warms up. As soon as possible, move the
choke to the OFF position.
IMPORTANT: For Model MT and MTL, make sure
the choke is in the OFF position during normal en-
gine operation; running with the choke in the ON po-
sition CAN damage the engine.
ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERING
IMPORTANT: If the DSD52 or DSD62 Mower deck
is installed on the tractor, make sure the dolly wheel
is retracted BEFORE moving.
1. Move the FSC out of NEUTRAL-PARK
position to the desired forward speed. DO
NOT hold forward on steering levers. It is not
necessary to hold the FSC lever in position
since a friction lock maintains the selected
lever position (and forward travel speed).
NOTE: If the FSC lever will not stay in the
selected position, the friction lock needs to be
adjusted. Contact your Walker Dealer.
2. Steer by pulling the lever on the side of desired
direction of turn, e.g., pull the LH lever to turn
left. To minimize the possibility of overcontrol,
use only one hand on both steering levers.
CAUTION
Learn to START, STOP, and MANEUVER
the mower in a large, open area.
If the operator has not operated a ma-
chine with LEVER STEERING OR DUAL
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSIONS, steer-
ing and ground operation should be
learned and practiced until the operator is
completely comfortable handling the ma-
chine BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MOW.
DANGER
Keep feet on footrests at all times when
the machine is moving. Never operate the
tractor without a deck or implement in-
stalled.
Beginning Recommendations are:
♦ Learn operation of the mower in an open
area away from buildings, fences, and ob-
structions. Learn operation on flat ground
BEFORE operating on slopes.
♦ Start maneuvering the mower with SLOW
engine speed and SLOW Forward Speed
Control setting until familiar with all operat-
ing characteristics.
♦ Remember it is not necessary to hold the
steering levers forward (a unique Walker
feature); always PULL on the levers for
steering or for reverse motion of the mower.
♦ Learn to operate the mower with your left
hand on the steering levers and right hand
on Forward Speed Control. The use of two
hands on the steering levers tends to cause
overcontrol.
♦ Learn to operate the steering levers with
smooth action. Jerky movements are hard
on the transmission and lawn. For sharp
turns, do not allow the inside wheel to stop
and twist on the grass. Pull the steering le-
ver controlling the inside wheel into reverse
for a smooth “rolling” turn (one wheel roll-
ing forward while the other rolls backward).
♦ Practice maneuvering the mower until
you can make it go exactly where you are
aiming.
♦ Remember, for an emergency stop, or in
case of loss of control, machine movement
can always be stopped quickly by pulling
the Forward Speed Control into the NEU-
TRAL-PARK position.