Troy-Bilt 1900678 - Manual (Page 17)

SECTION 3
Mower and Engine Controls
Before operating your mower, familiarize yourself with all mower and engine controls. Taking the time now
to understand fully the location, function, and operation of these controls will greatly increase your ability to
operate your mower efficiently and safely.
Because the blade brake system stops the blade but
not the engine, you can disengage the biade drive at
anytime without having to stop and then restart the
engine. This feature is particularly useful when you
need to cross gravel drives or rough terrain and you do
not want the rotating blade to throw stones or strike
hidden obstacies.
IMPORTANT
This mower is equipped with a blade brake which is
designed to stop the mower blade within three seconds
after release of the blade control handle. This feature is
required to meet the federally mandated safety stan­
dards described in Section 1 of this Manual. Never
tamper with, or attempt to defeat the purpose of this
safety device. Doing so may result in personal injury
through contact with the rotating blade. Check that the
Blade Brake Control System is operating properly. See
the Blade Brake Control Test Procedure described on
Page 34.
MOWER CONTROLS
NOTE: Ail references to “Left” and “Right” are given
from the operator’s position behind the handlebars.
WHEEL DRIVE LEVER
(Self-Propelled Model)
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
WHEEL DRIVE HANDLE
(Self-Propelled Model)
BLADE CONTROL
Photo 3-1: Location of mower controls.
BLADE DRIVE CONTROLS
The blade control handle and blade control are
located on the left handlebar of your mower. See Photo
3-1. These controls are used to engage and disengage
the mower blade.
To engage the blade drive mechanism, first pull the
blade control handle down and hold it against the han­
dlebar grip. Then, set the blade control by pushing the
control forward until a distinct “click” is heard. See
Photo 3-2. This action tightens the blade drive belt,
allowing the blade to begin rotating. It also resets a
friction brake mechanism located on the blade spindle
which will stop the blade within three seconds after
you release the biade control handle.
The blade control handle must be depressed against
the handlebar grip in order to keep the blade rotating.
Releasing the blade control handle will disengage the
blade control and stop the blade within the three se­
cond safety limit.
Photo 3-2: Operation of blade control handle and blade
control.
H
CAUTION: When starting the engine, the
blade control handle should be in the fully
released position. This position ensures that the
blade will not start rotating when the engine starts.
To avoid personal injury, do not engage the blade
drive controls until you are ready to begin mowing.
H
WARNING: If the blade brake system is dam­
aged or maladjusted, the blade may continue
to rotate after you have released the blade control
handle. If the blade does not stop within 3 seconds
of release of the blade control handle, move the
engine throttle control to the STOP position.
Immediately refer to the Blade Brake Control
System Test Procedure on Page 34. To avoid per­
sonal injury, do not operate the mower until the
Blade Brake Control System is operating properly.
15