OPERATION
Read the Safety section and following pages, if you are unfamiliar with the machine.
Training
Due to unique steering capabilities, zero turn mowers are far more maneuverable than typical riding mowers.
This section should be reviewed in its entirety prior to attempting to move the mower under its own power. When first operating the mower or until becoming comfortable with controls, use a reduced throttle speed and reduced ground speed. DO NOT move control levers to the furthest forward or reverse positions during initial operation.
First time users should become familiar with the mower’s movement on a hard surface, such as concrete or blacktop PRIOR to attempting to operate on turf. Until the operator becomes comfortable with the mower controls and zero turning capability, overly aggressive maneuvers may damage turf.
Steering
To move forward and backward
The direction and speed of the mower’s movements is effected by the movement of the control lever(s) on each side of mower. The left control lever controls the left wheel. The right control lever controls the right wheel.
First time users should push mower (see Manual Transport in the Operation section) to an open, flat area, without other people or vehicles/obstacles nearby. To move unit under its own power, the operator must be in the seat, start engine (see Before Starting in Operation section), adjust engine speed to idle, disengage parking brake, do not engage blades at this time, rotate control levers inward. As long as the control levers have not been moved forward or backwards, mower will not move. Slowly move both control levers forward slightly. This will allow mower to start moving forward in a straight line. Pull back on control levers to the neutral position and mower should stop moving. Pull back slightly on control levers, this will allow mower to start moving backwards. Push forward on control levers to the neutral position and mower should stop moving.
To turn to the right
While moving in a forward direction, pull the right lever back towards the neutral position while maintaining the position of the left lever, this will slow the rotation of the right wheel and cause the machine to turn in that direction.
To turn to the left
While moving in a forward direction pull the left lever back towards the neutral position while maintaining the position of the right lever, this will slow the rotation of the left wheel and cause the machine to turn in that direction.
To zero turn
While moving in a forward direction, first pull both control levers back until the mower stops or slows dramatically.
Then by alternating one lever slightly to the forward position and the other in the reverse position, complete the turn.
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