Walker MW 15 HP - Manual (Page 29)

Operating Instructions
25
ENGAGING THE MOWER
1. Set the engine throttle at about 1/3 speed. Do
not attempt to engage the blade clutch at
high engine speeds. This will drastically short-
en drive belt life. Use only moderate engine
speed when engaging the blade clutch.
2. Pull the blade clutch lever SLOWLY up to en-
gage the mower blades.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT engage the blade clutch
when transporting the mower across drives, side-
walks, loose materials, etc. DO NOT engage the
blade clutch with the PTO shaft disconnected
(the mower deck removed from tractor).
Blade Clutch Engaged
Blade Clutch Disengaged
STOPPING THE MACHINE
1. Slow the engine to a fast idle; put the throttle in
the 1/2 throttle position.
2. Squeeze the pistol grips to the NEUTRAL posi-
tion and toggle the FSC switch back to the
NEUTRAL-PARK position.
3. Disengage the blade clutch.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT disengage the blade
clutch with high engine speed (above 1/2 throt-
tle) since the brake action on the blade drive will
cause premature wear of the brake band.
CAUTION
A safety interlock switch (operator pres-
ence on handle grips) will cause the en-
gine to stop if the blade clutch is engaged
and the operator presence control is not
depressed. The function of this switch
should be checked by the operator lifting
off of the control and engaging the blade
clutch; the engine should stop. If the
switch is not working, it should be re-
paired or replaced before operating the
mower. DO NOT disconnect the safety
switches; they are for the operator’s pro-
tection.
CAUTION
If the cutting blades strike a stationary ob-
ject while mowing, stop the mower imme-
diately, disconnect the spark plug wires,
lift the deck, and inspect the deck and
blades thoroughly for damage. Make sure
that the blade timing has not been dis-
turbed (the blades should be at 90 degrees
to each other on gear-driven decks). Refer
to REPLACING/REPAIRING the Blade
Overload Shear Bolts in
Maintenance In-
structions if blades are out of time. Also,
make sure the blade retaining nuts are
torqued to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N
⋅
m).