WARNING: Never drive the tractor at high speeds without a front end attachment mounted to the tool bars or with the attachment in a raised position.
After starting engine, release parking brake (if set); engage hydraulic pump clutch lever, release the front neutral lock (move it up and forward) and steer as follows:
To go forward, push steering control lever forward (Fig.
To go in reverse, use ball of the left foot to lift rear neutral lock and pull lever back (Fig.
To turn left, rotate steering control lever counter- clockwise while pushing steering control lever forward.
To turn right, rotate steering control lever clockwise while pushing steering control lever forward. The tractor will make a smooth wide turn (Fig.
To zero turn, rotate steering lever the direction desired with the lever at or near the neutral position. This will allow the drive wheels to
To stop or decrease speed, move steering lever to neutral. When going forward pull back gently on lever. When going in reverse push forward gently on lever.
To increase speed, increase steering lever’s distance from neutral. The farther forward lever is from neutral, the faster tractor will travel forward. The farther back lever is from neutral, the faster tractor will go in reverse.
Operating suggestions
WARNING: The Hustler steering control lever
is very responsive: Easy does it! For smooth operation, move lever slowly, avoid sudden movement. Skill and ease of operation come with practice and experience.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer and lose control.
Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as gutters or curbs) should not be directly approached at high speed in an attempt to “jump” them. Approach at a slow speed and angle one drive wheel at the obstruction. Continue at an angle until the wheel clears and then pivot the opposite wheel around.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling either forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel can damage turf. This is especially important when mowing.
Maintain an even recommended tire pressure. This affects the rolling radius of the wheels and tractor will want to veer off in the direction of the tire with least pressure.
Tractor performance is maximum when the throttle is set at full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels when needed, faster response for the hydraulic lift and auxiliary cylinders plus maximum PTO power. Use the steering control lever to control ground speed rather than engine rpm.
WARNING: Some front mounted attachments are heavy enough to lift the rear tractor wheels off the ground when raised for turning, backing or transporting. Your Hustler can be equipped with rear stack weights to
WARNING: If tractor is equipped with a ROPS always buckle seat belt before starting tractor.
728444 Rev. 11/02 |