12
R
Section 4
GROUND TRAvEL AND STEERING4.5
- IMPORTANT -
If you are not familiar with the operation of a
machine with lever steering and/or hydrostatic
transmissions, the steer ing 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 4-2.
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 4-3.
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 4-3.
- 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 par king brake and place the neutral
lock lever in the neutral (N) position.