Stopping the Engine

1.Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position.

2.Move the speed control pedals to the neutral position.

3.Engage the parking brake.

4.Move the throttle control to midway between the SLOW and FAST positions.

5.Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition switch.

NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.

6.Close the fuel supply valve.

Practice Operation (Initial Use)

Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional type riding tractor. Although and because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable, getting used to operating the speed control

pedals and the steering wheel takes some practice.

We strongly recommend that you locate a reasonably large, level and open “practice area” where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should practice operating the

tractor for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area. When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be engaged. While practicing, operate the tractor at approximately 1⁄2-3⁄4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and

reverse.

Use protective equipment for eyes, hands, hearing, feet, legs, head and other areas of the body if needed — safety eye glasses,

gloves, earplugs, boots, hats, etc.

Warning! Hearing Protection is required for all

operator exposure exceeding two (2) hours.

Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions in the following section “Driving the Tractor.” Practice until you

are confident that you can safely operate the tractor.

Driving the Tractor

1.Use protective equipment for eyes, hands, hearing, feet, legs, head and other areas of the body if needed — safety eye glasses, gloves, earplugs, boots, hats, etc.

WARNING! Hearing Protection is required for all

operator exposure exceeding two (2) hours.

2.Ensure that the area is free of animals and bystanders, especially children!

3.Survey the area where the equipment is to be used to make sure it is free of debris, sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other foreign objects which could cause injury to bystanders, damage to the machine, or damage to nearby facilities.

Warning! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

4.Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to operate the controls. See seat adjustment in the Assembly & Set-Up section.

5.Swing the steering column inward and lock with the adjustable ratchet handle.

6.Adjust the steering wheel tilt with the adjustable ratchet handle.

7.Release the parking brake.

8.Move the throttle control lever forward to the full throttle position.

NOTE: Although the tractor’s engine is designed to run at full throttle, when performing a practice session the tractor must be operated at less than full throttle. This only applies to practice.

Warning! Always maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel.

9.To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the steering wheel with your right and left hands and continue with Driving the Tractor Forward.

Driving the Tractor Forward

Warning! Keep all movement of the speed control pedals slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the pedals can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the operator.

1.Slowly push the forward speed control pedal forward. The tractor will start to move forward. See Fig. 5-1.

Forward Speed

Control Pedal

Figure 5-1

2.As the forward speed control pedal is pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase.

3.To slow the tractor release the forward speed control pedal to attain the desired speed, or allow to pedal to return the neutral position to stop the tractor.

20Section 5— Operation