Columbia ZT42, Operator'S Manual

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Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine
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Batteries contain sulfuric acid and
produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is
well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and
avoid sparks or flames near the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine,
recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and
the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be
necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:
Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor 1.
battery’s positive terminal; then connect the other end of
that cable to the booster battery’s positive terminal.
Connect one end of the other cable to the booster 2.
battery’s negative terminal; then connect the other end of
that cable to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far from
the battery as possible.
Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting 3.
instructions previously provided; then disconnect
the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their
connection.
Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired 4.
as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.
Stopping the Engine
Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position. 1.
Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in 2.
the neutral position.
Engage the parking brake. 3.
Move the throttle/choke control to midway between the 4.
SLOW and FAST positions.
Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the 5.
key from the ignition switch.
NOTE:
Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left
unattended.
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.
We strongly recommend 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
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Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfortable 1.
position that allows you to operate the controls. See seat
adjustment in the Maintenance & Adjustments section.
Release the parking brake. 2.
Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the 3.
neutral position. Refer to Figure 5-2.
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.
Move the throttle/choke control lever forward to the full 4.
throttle position (3300-3500 RPM).
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 (approximately
2500-3000 RPM). This only applies to practice.
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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.
To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective drive 5.
control levers with your right and left hands and continue
with Driving the Tractor Forward on the following page.
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