Troy-Bilt Transmatic Lawn Tractor 77T - Manual (Page 14)

14
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to
the cutting deck or other (separately available) attach-
ments. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all
the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position
for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments
IMPORTANT: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in
the disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine,
when traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the
seat.
Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on page 12.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to
the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your
application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in
this section.
Mowing
WARNING: To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown object
injury, keep bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at least 75
feet from the machine while it
is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the
cutting deck with your tractor:
WARNING: Plan your mowing
pattern to avoid discharge of
materials toward roads, side-
walks, bystanders and the like.
Also, avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward
the operator.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a
mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance
of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the
lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP
OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S)
AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE
AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE
BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND
SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY
THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CON-
TROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED
BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR
BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISEN-
GAGE BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL,
ENGAGE BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE
KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at full
throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go
back over the cut area a second time to get a clean
cut.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow
lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when
worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 21 of this
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown
object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at
least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in
operation. Stop ma-
chine if anyone enters
the area.
Plan your mowing pat-
tern to avoid discharge
of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, by-
standers and the like.
Also, avoid discharging
material against a wall
or obstruction which
may cause discharged
material to ricochet
back toward the
operator.