PRACTICE OPERATION (INITIAL USE)
Operating a zero-turn mower is not like operating a conventional type riding mower.
Although and because a zero-turn mower is more maneuverable, getting used to
operating the speed control pedals and the steering wheel 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 mower for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the mower to the practice area. When performing
the practice session, the PTO knob should not be engaged. While practicing, operate
the mower at approximately 1/2-3/4 throttle and at less than full speed in both
forward and reverse.
Always wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment (e.g. safety
glasses, long pants, gloves, hearing protection, safety shoes, hard hat) when
operating or maintaining this machine. Follow all federal, state and local guidelines
regarding the use of personal protective equipment.
Hearing protection is required for all operator exposure exceeding two
(2) hours.
Carefully practice maneuvering the machine using the instructions in the Driving
the Mower section. Practice until you are confident that you can safely operate
the mower.
DRIVING THE MOWER
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed, and sudden stops.
1. Ensure that the area is free of animals and bystanders, especially children.
2. Survey the area where the equipment is to be used to make sure it is free of
debris, sticks, stones, wires, bones and other foreign objects which could cause
injury to bystanders, damage to the machine or damage to nearby facilities.
3. Adjust the operator's seat to the most comfortable position that allows you to
operate the controls. Refer to the Set-Up section for instructions on adjusting
the seat.
4. Adjust the steering wheel tilt with the steering column adjustment lever.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Move the throttle control lever (if equipped) forward to the FAST
NOTE: The mower's engine is designed to run at full throttle, but when
performing a practice session the mower must be operated at less than full
throttle. This only applies to practice.
Always maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel.
7. To drive the mower, firmly grasp the steering wheel with your right and left
hands and continue with Driving the Mower Forward.
Driving the Mower Forward
Keep all movement of the drive pedals slow and smooth. Abrupt movement
of the pedals can affect the stability of the mower and could cause
the mower to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to
the operator.
OPERATION
WARNING
WARNING
position.
WARNING
WARNING
1. Slowly push the forward drive pedal forward. The mower will start to move
forward (Figure 23).
2. As the forward drive pedal is pushed farther forward the speed of the mower
will increase.
3. To slow the mower, slowly release the forward drive pedal to attain the desired
speed, or allow pedal to return to the neutral position to stop the mower.
Turning the Mower While Driving Forward
When reversing the direction of travel, performing gradual "U" turns where
possible is recommended. Sharper turns increase the possibility of turf
defacement, and could affect control of the mower. ALWAYS slow the mower
before making sharp turns.
To turn the mower while driving forward, use the steering wheel to turn in the
direction you wish to travel.
1. To turn to the left, turn the steering wheel counterclockwise (to the
operator's left).
2. To turn to the right, turn the steering wheel clockwise (to the operator's right).
3. The greater the distance the steering wheel is turned, the sharper the mower
will turn.
4. To execute a "pivot turn," move the steering wheel so that the inside wheel is
angled at approximately 88° and the turn side tire will not rotate.
NOTE: Making a "pivot turn" on grass will greatly increase the potential for
defacement of the turf as well as potential damages to the traction surface and
the tire.
Driving the Mower in Reverse
Always look behind and down on both sides of the mower before backing
up. Always look behind while traveling in the reverse direction.
1. Slowly push the reverse drive pedal forward. The mower will start to move in the
reverse direction (Figure 24).
20
Figure 23
WARNING
WARNING
Figure 24