Ariens Lawn Tractor 54 Owners Manual - Page 10

OPERATION TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 7) The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the forward and reverse drive pedals. • Start tractor and release parking brake. • Slowly depress forward (K) or reverse (L) drive pedal to begin movement. Ground speed increases the further down the pedal is depressed. K J L Fig. 7 TO USE CRUISE CONTROL (J) (See Fig. 7) The cruise control feature can be used for forward travel only. SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS The cruise control should only be used while mowing or transporting on relatively smooth, straight surfaces. Other conditions such as trimming at slow speeds may cause the cruise control to disengage. Do not use the cruise control on slopes, rough terrian or while trimmimg or turning. • With forward drive pedal depressed to desired speed, pull cruise control lever (J) up and hold while lifting your foot off the pedal, then release the lever. To disengage the cruise control, depress the brake pedal or tap on forward drive pedal. TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8) The position of the attachment lift lever (A) determines the cutting height. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2" during the cool season and to over 3" during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. • For best cutting performance, grass over 6" in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9) Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height. (See "TO AD- JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.) • With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole as shown and tighten securely. • Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole. Fig. 9 TO OPERATE ON HILLS CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. • A • • • • Fig. 8 • • Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot. The cutting height range is approximately 1" to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. 10 Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. If stopping is absolutely necessary, push brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and brake pedal. Slowly depress appropriate drive pedal to slowest setting. Make all turns slowly.