OPERATION
Operation
Read “Safety Instructions” on page 7 and following pages, if you are unfamiliar with the machine.
Training
Zero turn mowers are far more manueverable than typical riding mowers due to their unique steering capabilities.
We recommend that this section be reviewed in its entirety prior to attempting to move the mower under its own power. Additionally, we suggest when first operating mower, use a reduced throttle speed and reduced ground speed by NOT moving control levers to the furthest forward or reverse positions during initial operation, or until operator becomes comfortable with controls. We also suggest first time users, or new users to ZeroTurn mowers to become familiar with the mowers movement on a hard surface, such as concrete or blacktop PRIOR to attempting to operate on turf. Until operator becomes comfortable with mower controls and zero turning capability, they may damage turf due to over aggressive maneuvers.
To move forward and backward
The direction and speed of the mowers 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When control levers are in the reverse position they return to neutral when released. This may cause the mower to suddenly stop.
First time users should push mower (see “Moving by Hand” on page 34) to an open, flat area, without other people or vehicles/obstacles near by. In order to move unit under its own power, the operator must be in the seat, start engine (see “Before Starting” on page 25), adjust engine speed to idle, disengage park 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.