MTD 500 - Page 9

IGNITION KEY
The key must be turned to the “ON” position
before pulling the recoil handle to start the
engine. Turn the key to the left to the “OFF” posi¬
tion to stop the engine. Remove the key when the
unit is not in use.
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located on the left hand side of
the consoie and has three positions, “FORWARD,”
“NEUTRAL” and “REVERSE.” See figure 12. The
ciutch-brake pedal must be depressed and the
riding mower must not be moving when shifting
gears. Do not force the shift iever. Release the
clutch-brake pedal slightly to line up the shifting
collar in the transmission. Then try to shift gears.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the right side
of the rider. Depressing the ciutch-brake pedal
part way disengages the clutch. Pressing the
pedal all the way down disengages the clutch and
engages the disc brake. See figure 13.
{ ■ ^NOTE
The clutch-brake pedal must be
depressed to start the engine.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and press the parking brake knob down. To
release the parking brake, depress and release the
clutch-brake pedal. See figure 13.
BLADE ENGAGEMENT LEVER
The blade engagement lever is located on the
right hand side of the deck. Figure 14 shows the
biade engagement iever in the disengaged posi¬
tion.
FIGURE 14.
To engage the blade, move the blade engagement
lever toward the front of the unit. Move the lever
toward the rear to disengage the blade.
DECK CUTTING HEIGHT LEVER
The deck cutting height lever is used to raise and
lower the cutting deck, which sets the cutting
height.
Move the lever outward, select desired cutting
height and release lever. The lever may be set in
any one of the six cutting height positions. See
figure 15.
CAUTION
The blade does not shut off when
the deck is raised. You must place
the Blade Engagement Lever in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
FIGURE 15.
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