Walker MDD (20.9 HP) - Manual (Page 37)

Operating Instructions
33
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: This is exactly the same procedure
used to normally stop and park the machine.
NOTE: If the FSC lever will not stay in the
selected position, the friction lock needs to be
adjusted. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS of Forward
Speed Control Friction Lock in
Maintenance
Instructions .
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.
WARNING
In case either of the transmission drive
belts break during operation, and if the
machine is on a slope, the machine will
freewheel down the slope. To maintain
control, immediately (1) Release the
steering levers and simultaneously (2)
Move the FSC to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position. When the machine is stopped
or moving slowly, engage the parking
brake.
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.