OPERATION
Read the Safety section and following pages if
you are unfamiliar with the machine.
Training
Due to unique steering capabilities, zero turn
mowers are far more maneuverable than typical
riding mowers.
Review this section fully prior to trying to move the
mower under its own power. When first operating
the mower or until becoming comfortable with
controls, use a reduced throttle speed and
reduced ground speed. DO NOT move control
levers to the furthest forward or reverse positions
during initial operation.
First time users must become familiar with the
mower's movement on a hard surface, such as
concrete or blacktop PRIOR to trying to operate
on turf. Until the operator becomes comfortable
with the mower controls and zero turning
capability, overly aggressive maneuvers may
damage turf.
Steering
To move forward and backward
The direction and speed of the mower's
movements are effected by the movement of the
control lever(s) on each side of mower. The left
control lever controls the left wheel. The right
control lever controls the right wheel.
First time users must push the mower (see
Moving Machine By Hand in the Operation
section) to an open, flat area without other
persons, vehicles or obstacles nearby. To move
the unit under its own power, the operator must
sit in the seat and start the engine (see Before
Starting in the Operation section). Adjust the
engine speed to idle, disengage the park brake
but do not engage the blades at this time. Pull
control levers inward. As long as the control levers
have not been moved forward or backwards, the
mower will not move.
Slowly move both control levers forward slightly.
This will let the mower start moving forward in a
straight line. Pull the control levers back to the
neutral position and stop the mower from moving.
Pull back slightly on control levers, allowing the
mower to move backwards. Push the control
levers forward to the neutral position to stop the
mower from moving.
To turn to the right
While moving in a forward direction, pull the right
lever back towards the neutral position while
maintaining the position of the left lever, this will
slow the rotation of the right wheel and cause the
machine to turn in that direction.
16
To turn to the left
While moving in a forward direction pull the left
lever back towards the neutral position while
maintaining the position of the right lever, this will
slow the rotation of the left wheel and cause the
machine to turn in that direction.
To zero turn
While moving in a forward direction, first pull both
control levers back until the mower stops or slows
dramatically.
Then by alternating one lever slightly to the
forward position and the other in the reverse
position, complete the turn.
Before Starting
WARNING! Make sure the work area is
free from of stones and other objects that could
be thrown by the rotating blades.
1. Read the sections on Safety and Controls
before starting the machine.
2. Do the daily maintenance before starting (see
Maintenance Schedule in the Maintenance
section).
3. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel
tank.
4. Adjust the seat to the desired position.
WARNING! The engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, which is a odorless,
colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use the
machine in enclosed spaces.
Starting the Engine
1. Sit on the seat.
2. Raise the mower deck to the highest position.
3. Disengage the mower blades by pressing the
blade switch downwards.
4. Move the steering / park brake controls firmly
out to the locked position.
5. Move the throttle lever to the middle throttle
position. If the engine is cold, the choke
control should be pulled up.