Troy-Bilt TB30 Operation Manual - Page 20

4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blade (PTO) engaged. 5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position. The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until: a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING position or STOP position or b. The operator leaves the seat. Driving On Slopes Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely. WARNING! Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 12 degrees (a rise of approximately 2 feet for every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. • Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across. • Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over. • Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward. Engaging the PTO (Cutting Blade) Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck. To engage the blade, proceed as follows: 1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position. 2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position. Note: Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck. IMPORTANT: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation section of this manual. Mulching A mulch kit has been supplied with your unit. Mulching is a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer. Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section of this manual for instructions on how to install the mulch kit. Using the Deck Lift Lever To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section. Mowing WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor: WARNING! Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator. • Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed. • For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn. • Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather. • Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle. • Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut. • Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush. • Keep the blade sharp and replace the blade when worn. Refer to Cutting Blade in the Service section of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions. 20 Section 5- Operation