Mower Deck Operation, Operating Instructions

Land Pride

Section 2 Operating

Table of Contents

Discharge	21043
Chute

Discharge Chute

Figure 2-9

!WARNING!

Never direct discharge of material from mower deck towards bystanders.

!WARNING!

Never operate the mower deck with discharge chute removed or in raised position.

!WARNING!

Always check area to be mowed for rocks and other debris before mowing.

Mower Deck Operation

!DANGER!

Never attempt to make any adjustments to the mower deck while the engine is running or when the blades are engaged. Mower blades cannot be seen and are located very close to deck housing. Fingers and toes can be cut off instantly.

With the engine running, engage the blades (Refer to Figure 2-10) and advance engine throttle to full rpm.

NOTE: Engaging the blades at high engine rpm or when under heavy load (in tall grass for example) can cause belts to slip, resulting in premature wear or possible damage.

Blade Engagement
Switch	21043

Blade Engagement Switch

Figure 2-10

Operating Instructions

After thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the Operator’s Manual and completing the Operator’s Checklist, you are almost ready to begin mowing.

Approach the mower from the front. Spread the steering levers fully apart if they aren’t already in the wide-open parking brake position. Taking care not to step on either side of the mower deck, step up on the operators’ platform and comfortably seat yourself. With both steering levers still wide apart now reach for the throttle and choke control to your right side. Position the throttle control at half throttle and pull the choke to the “up/on” position. Insert your ignition key and rotate the ignition key clockwise until you hear the engine begin to start. Release the ignition key and push the choke to “down/off” position. Allow the engine to warm up momentarily. If your mower has just been running and the engine is already warm, using the choke is usually not necessary.

With the engine at half throttle reach forward and bring both steering levers equally together in the neutral position just in front of you. It’s now time to test your steering skills. Gently push both steering levers equally forward. The farther forward you push the levers the faster you will go. Pull back equally and you will slow down coming to a stop when you reach the neutral position. Now slowly pull the levers back toward your body past neutral position. The mower will reverse direction and increase in speed as you pull further back. If you push one lever forward and pull one lever back the mower will do a Zero turn in the direction of the steering lever closest to your body. Now take a few moments in a safe area to practice steering your mower with the engine still at half throttle. Gradually increase your throttle speed until you feel totally confident in your mower steering and handling ability.

It’s now time to cut the grass. Hopefully you have already removed any obstacles from the lawn that you do not want run over. With your mower at half throttle, place your right foot on the deck lift pedal and release and lower the deck to your preset cutting height. With your right hand, pull up on the cutting blade engagement knob and increase the engine speed to full throttle. You may now begin mowing.

When you are done mowing or just want to take a break, make sure you do all of the following. Park on level ground, disengage the cutting blade, throttle back, leave the steering levers in wide-open parking brake position, turn the engine off, remove the key, and step carefully off the front of the machine.

7/14/08

ZRP44 & ZRP52 Zero Turning Radius Mowers 356-117M