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.

It is strongly recommended 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.

3.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 control levers. DO NOT release the control levers to slow or stop the tractor; move levers to neutral position using your hands.

4.To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective drive control levers with your right and left hands and continue with Driving the Tractor Forward on the following page.

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.

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

1.

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.

2.

Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the

 

neutral position which also disengages the parking brake.

Driving Forward

Faster

Refer to Figure 5-2.

Control Lever Moved

Inward and in Neutral

Figure 5-2

NOTE: Lap bars must be moved fully inward before pushing forward or backward to ensure brakes are fully disengaged. Parking the tractor on uneven terrain or a hill may cause the brakes to bind and not release fully. In this case the tractor will not drive when the lap bars are moved. If this happens, move the lap bar in the opposite direction slightly to take the load off the brakes and allow them to release fully.

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.

Slower

Neutral

Position

Figure 5-3

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

3.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.

WARNING! Always maintain your grasp on the drive control levers. Do not release the levers to slow the tractor or to return to neutral.

Section 5 — Operation

 

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