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
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 asphalt BEFORE trying to operate on
turf.
Steering
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 forward and back
To move the unit under its own power, start the
engine (see Before Starting in the Operation
section). Adjust the engine speed to idle but do
not engage the blades.
Slowly move the two control levers forward
slightly. This will let the mower start moving
forward in a straight line. Release 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. Release the control
levers to the neutral position to stop the mower
from moving.
16
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 significantly. By moving one lever slightly
forward and the other in the reverse, 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. 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 mower deck to the desired
cutting height. See Cutting Height in the
Maintenance section.