Troy-Bilt Colt RZT Stopping the Engine, Practice Operation Initial Use, Driving the Tractor

•Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting instructions previously provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their connection.

•Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.

Stopping the Engine

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

•Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position.

•Engage the parking brake.

•Move the throttle control between the half and full throttle positions, and turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position.

•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.

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 control levers 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.

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

warning!: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

•Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to operate the controls. See seat adjustment in the ADJUSTMENTS section.

•Release the parking brake.

•Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the neutral position. Refer to Figure 5-2.

NOTE: If the control levers are not even in the neutral position, refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions to adjust the levers so that they are even.

Control Lever Moved

Inward and in Neutral

Figure 5-2

•Move the throttle control lever forward to the full throttle position (3500-3600 RPM). 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 (approximately 2500-3000 RPM). This only applies to practice.

warning!: Always maintain a firm grip on the control levers. DO NOT release the control levers to slow or stop the tractor; move levers to neutral position using your hands.

•To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective drive control levers with your right and left hands and proceed as instructed in the following sub section.

Driving the Tractor Forward

warning!: Keep all movement of the drive control levers slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the control levers 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.

•Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers forward. The tractor will start to move forward. See Figure 5-3.

DRIVING FORWARD

Faster

Slower

Neutral

Position

Figure 5-3

•As the control levers are pushed farther forward the speed of the tractor will increase.

•To slow the tractor move the controls lever rearward to attain the desired speed, or move the levers to the neutral position to stop the tractor.

Section 5 — Operation 15