Walker MW 15 HP - Manual (Page 26)

Operating Instructions
22
IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFF
position during normal engine operation; running
with the choke in the ON position CAN damage the
engine.
Forward Speed Control (FSC)
The Forward Speed Control (FSC) is a rocker switch
located adjacent to the RH thumb position near the
RH pistol grip.
This rocker switch controls an electric actuator that
has two functions: One is to set forward travel
speed, and the other is to establish the NEUTRAL-
PARK position. When the FSC switch is moved into
the FORWARD position, it sets the forward speed
from 0 to 5 mph (0 to 8 km/h). The ground speed is
proportional to how long the rocker switch is held for-
ward; the longer the switch is held forward, the faster
the tractor moves. It is not necessary to hold the
FSC switch in position since the electric actuator
maintains the selected position. Squeezing the pis-
tol grips/steering control levers overrides the FSC
setting and slows or stops forward travel. Releasing
the pistol grips/steering control levers allows the
tractor to resume forward travel at the speed set by
the FSC switch. To stop and park the machine, the
FSC switch is depressed backward until the NEU-
TRAL-PARK position is achieved.
Pistol Grips/Steering Control Levers
Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-
dent pistol grip (located below the operators han-
dles), for both steering function and FORWARD/
REVERSE motion. The FSC switch sets the maxi-
mum forward speed, and also sets the forward posi-
tion of the pistol grips. The pistol grips operate only
with a squeezing movement of the grip, which
causes the drive wheel for that lever to first slow
down, stop, and then reverse with a full backward le-
ver stroke. The grips are released to the FOR-
WARD position for “straight-ahead” ground travel.
Reverse is achieved by squeezing the pistol grips
past the NEUTRAL-PARK position. For better con-
trol, it is recommended that this is done in conjunc-
tion with toggling the FSC switch back to the
NEUTRAL-PARK position.
Blade Clutch (PTO)
The blade clutch lever has two positions. Pulling the
lever BACK engages the PTO that drives the mow-
er blades. Pushing the lever FORWARD disengag-
es the PTO and engages the blade brake.
Parking Brake
The parking brake functions by locking a detent arm
into the transaxle outer control gear teeth. Moving
the lever FORWARD engages the parking brake;
moving the lever BACKWARD releases the brake.
IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely before
engaging the parking brake. The parking brake
uses a positive mechanical lock similar to the PARK
position on an automotive automatic transmission.
If the tractor is moving when the brake is engaged, it
will result in sudden stoppage and possible internal
damage to the transaxle.
NOTE: If pressure on the parking brake lever is no-
ticed when engaging the brake, move the mower
gently forward or backward to allow the brake detent
to set into the teeth.
Engine Cover Latch
The engine cover hinges forward for maintenance
access and is latched down in the OPERATING po-
sition. To raise the body, unhook the rubber latch lo-
cated between the fuel tank and engine.
Transaxle Lockout Rods
The transaxle lockout rods disengage the transax-
les. By pulling the rods toward the rear of the mow-
er and locking them into place with the shoulder on
the rod in the body, the transaxles are released to
permit freewheeling. By releasing the rods and
pushing it back into the body, the transaxles are en-
gaged for normal operation. The transaxle rods in
the LOCKOUT position are used to enable moving
the machine without the engine running (e.g., for
service). Refer to TRANSAXLE LOCKOUT in this
section for operating instructions.
NOTE: The transaxle lockout rods ends should be
completely retracted against the body, otherwise op-
eration of the transaxle may be erratic.
Hourmeter
The hourmeter displays operating time accumulat-
ed while the ignition switch is in the ON position with
the engine running. It also gives service indications
for oil changes and lubrication.
Circuit Breaker
A manual reset circuit breaker is located on the op-
erator panel. It has a button that pops out if the cir-
cuit breaker trips. The circuit breaker protects the
safety switches.