Locke C-125 - Manual (Page 8)

STARTING THE ENGINE
Check to see that the oil in the crankcase is at the
proper level and there is fuel in the tank. Make sure
that the tractor clutch lever, on the right handlebar, and
the reel clutch lever, on the left handlebar, are released
before attempting to start the engine. Set the engine kill
switch to the on position, move the throttle to a slightly
open position, close the carburetor choke valve, then
pull on the recoil starter rope. After a few seconds
warm up, place the choke valve in the run position and
adjust the throttle to the desired speed.
For further instructions, refer to the
engine
manufacturers manual.
RAISING AND LOWERING OF CUTTER
UNIT
To elevate the cutter unit for transport or storage, pull
the hand lever, located on the handlebar cross
member, over center towards the operator. When the
cutter unit is set at its highest setting, the aluminum
roller will clear a hard surface by approximately 1/2”. If
more clearance is required it may be necessary to
adjust the height of the cutter unit. (Refer to “Height of
Cut Adjustment” below). To lower the cutter unit, push
the hand lever away from the operator until the cutter
unit settles on the ground.
HEIGHT OF CUT ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment of the cut height is a simple operation. To
adjust, kill the engine, raise the cutter unit, push the
adjustment handle against the spring pressure, holding
the handle firmly in place while allowing the smaller
diameter of the pin to track through to the desired cut
height. Release hand pressure on the handle and the
spring pressure will hold the pin in place. The range of
adjustment is 1/2”-3” in 1/4” increments.
MOWING
THE TRACTOR AND REEL ENGAGEMENT
LEVERS HAVE OPERATOR PRESENCE
SAFETY FEATURES. WHEN THE LEVER IS
RELEASED IT WILL RETURN TO THE
NEURAL POSITION. IF THEY ARE NOT
FUNCTIONING AS SUCH, DO NOT OPERATE
THE MOWER UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS RECTI-
FIED.
CAUTION
To move the mower around under its own power, grip
the tractor clutch lever applying slight pressure, this will
start the mower moving in a forward direction. When
the desired direction of movement has been
established, fully engage the clutch hand lever. The
same procedure is applied to the reel engagement
lever on the left handlebar. The speed of the mower is
governed by engine speed. To mow at a slower pace,
simply reduce the engine RPM. The frequency of cut
will be constant throughout the engine speed. Vary the
pressure of the tractor clutch lever for increased
maneuverability around obstacles, in other words “slip
the clutch”.
LOADING AND UNLOADING FOR TRANS-
PORT
To load the mower either on a trailer or truck, the ramp
should be of an angle slight enough not to allow the
reel to strike the ramp, possibly causing damage to the
reel unit. Also, it is advisable to raise the height roller to
the uppermost position. After positioning the mower in
the desired location, lower the reel unit. This allows for
better balance and also reduces the chance of damage
to the lifting mechanism. Secure the mower with quality
tie-downs.
WHEN UNLOADING DOWN A RAMP, USE THE
TRACTOR CLUTCH LEVER AS A BRAKE TO
CONTROL YOUR SPEED. MAKE SURE OF
YOUR PATH BEFORE PROCEEDING DOWN
THE RAMP. MOVE SLOWLY.
CAUTION
SECTION 3—OPERATION
5