Operation

ZERO TURN

DRIVING PRACTICE

The motion control levers of the zero turn rider are responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning move- ments will take some practice.

Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown and becoming familiar with how the unit acceler- ates, travels, and steers — before you begin mowing —is absolutely essential to getting the most out of the zero turn rider.

Locate a smooth, flat area of your lawn — one with plenty of room to maneuver. (Clear the area of objects, people and animals before you begin.) Operate the unit at mid-engine speed during this practice session (ALWAYS operate at full engine speed when mowing), and turn slowly to prevent tire slippage and damage to your lawn.

We suggest you begin with the Smooth Travel procedure to the right, and then advance through the forward, reverse, and turning maneuvers.

Smooth Travel

The motion control levers of the zero turn rider are responsive .

The BEST method of han- dling the ground speed levers is in three steps — as shown in Figure 3.

FIRST place your hands onto the levers as shown.

SECOND, to go forward gradually push the levers forward with your palms.

THIRD, to speed up move the levers farther forward. To slow down smoothly, slowly move the levers toward neutral.

Figure 3. Move Control

Levers Gradually

BASIC DRIVING

Forward Travel Practice

Gradually move both motion control levers — evenly FORWARD from neutral. Slow down and repeat.

NOTE: Straight forward travel takes practice. If neces- sary, top speed can be balance-adjusted — see the Speed Balancing Adjustment in the Adjustments section near the back of this manual.

Reverse Travel Practice

LOOK DOWN & BEHIND, then gradually move both motion control levers evenly BACK from neutral. Slow down and repeat.

NOTE: Practice backing up for several minutes before attempting to do so near objects. The rider turns as sharply in reverse as when going forward, and backing up straight takes practice.

Forward

Travel

Figure 4. Forward Travel

Reverse

Travel

Figure 5. Reverse Travel

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Simplicity 7800071, 7800072 Zero Turn Driving Practice, Smooth Travel, Forward Travel Practice, Reverse Travel Practice