OPERATION
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 before 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 BEFORE trying to operate
on turf. Until the operator becomes comfortable
with the mower controls and zero turn, overly
aggressive maneuvers can damage turf.
Steering
To move forward and rearward
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 lever controls the left wheel. The right 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 but do not engage the
blades. Pull control levers inward. As long as the
control levers have not been moved forward or
rearwards, the mower will not move.
Slowly move the two 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 rearwards. 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.
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 the
two 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.
Roll Bar
Operate the unit with the roll bar in the raised and
locked position and use the seat belt. There is
no rollover protection when the roll bar is down.
If it is necessary to lower roll bar, do not wear the
seat belt. Raise the roll bar as soon as clearance
permits.
WARNING! The seat belt must be used
when the roll bar is in upright position.
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. Perform 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.
The following conditions must be fulfilled before
the engine can be started:
• The blade switch must be pressed down into
the disengaged position.
• The two steering / park brake controls must be
in the locked (outer) position.
Starting the Engine
1. Sit on the seat.
2. Raise the mower deck to the transport
position by pushing the lift pedal forward.
3. Disengage the mower blades by pressing the
blade switch down.
4. Move the steering / park brake controls to the
locked (outer) position.
17