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Section 4
4.5 GROUND TRAVEL AND STEERING
- IMPORTANT -
If you are not familiar with the operation of a machine with lever steering and/or hydrostatic transmissions, the steering and ground speed operations should be learned and practiced in an open area, away from buildings, fences, or obstructions. Practice until you are comfortable with the handling of the machine before attempting to mow. Learn the operation on flat ground before operating on slopes.
- IMPORTANT -
Start practicing with a slow engine speed and slow forward travel.
Learn to feather the steering controls to obtain a smooth operating action.
Practice operating the mower until you are comfortable with the controls before proceeding to mow.
Forward Travel
To travel forward with the mower, disengage the parking brake, place the neutral lock lever in the drive (D) position and slowly push the steering control levers forward an equal distance. The further the steering control levers are pushed forward, the greater the forward speed will be. To increase the speed, push the steering control levers forward and to decrease speed, pull the steering control levers back. See Figure
To stop the forward travel completely, pull the steering control levers back to the neutral position.
To steer the mower to the left while traveling forward, pull the left steering control lever back. The further the steering control is pulled back, the quicker the mower will turn left. See Figure
To steer the mower to the right while traveling forward, pull the right steering control lever back. The further the steering control is pulled back, the quicker the mower will turn right. See Figure
- NOTE -
Smooth operation of the steering control levers will produce smooth mower operation. While learning the operation of the steering controls, keep the travel speed low.
Reverse Travel
Caution
Disengage power to the mower before backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after observation of the entire area behind the mower.
Caution
Before backing up, observe the rear for persons and obstructions. Clear the area before backing up. Possible injury or property damage could occur.
To travel in reverse, pull both steering control handles back. Keep the travel speed low while traveling in reverse.
- NOTE -
The mower may not travel straight in reverse. Slight adjustments may need to be made using the steering controls.
To steer left while traveling in reverse, allow the left steering control lever to move forward. The further the control is allowed to move forward, the quicker the mower will turn left.
To steer right while traveling in reverse, allow the right steering control lever to move forward. The further the control is allowed to move forward, the quicker the mower will turn right.
To stop the reverse travel, allow the steering control levers to return to the neutral position. If the mower is to be parked, engage the parking brake and place the neutral lock lever in the neutral (N) position.
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