8
7. Once you are fully competent manoeuvring at slow speed, increase the throttle setting and use
larger lever movements.
NOTE. The control levers are fitted with an over-travel spring in the forward direction. Stop moving
the levers forward when you feel a significant increase in resistance. Further movement will not result
in greater speed and may damage the control mechanism.
Normal Mowing
Before mowing, clear the area to be mowed of debris.
1. Drive to the area you are about to mow with the deck raised and the blade switched off.
2. Once you are on the grass, lower the deck to the height you wish to use for cutting and turn on the
blade switch.
3. Move forward and start cutting. In long grass, use a higher deck setting and a slower forward
speed.
4. If you become aware of a loss of traction due to wet grass, excessive slopes or faulty tyres, stop
mowing. A loss of traction with a ZTR can cause steering problems as well as extending the braking
distance.
5. In general, mow with the discharge chute throwing grass onto the area already cut. i.e. in large
areas, mow in anticlockwise rectangles (always turning left).
6. Also turn left around trees, as the left side of the deck is shaped to enable a close cut.
7. Along fences, run the left side of the deck near the fence for a closer cut.
8. When obstacles such as hoses are encountered, you can raise the deck by pushing on the foot
pedal before you pass over the obstacle. Release the lever slowly after you pass over the obstacle.
If there is any possibility of the blades hitting the obstacle, turn them off first.
Note
. Releasing the deck back to its original position slowly will reduce shock loads and reduce wear
on the height adjusting mechanism.
Mowing on Slopes
1. As mentioned above, do not attempt to mow a site with a slope greater than 10 degrees to the
horizontal.
2. Do not accelerate or decelerate quickly when driving on slopes.
3. Do not mow across steep slopes.
4. Turn slowly.
5. Reduce speed.
6. Stop mowing if you are losing traction.
Stopping
1. Drive to the area you intend to park the mower with the blades turned off, the deck raised and the
engine on a low throttle setting.
2. Turn off the key switch once the mower is parked.
3. Remove the key from the key switch.
4. Put both control levers in the “OUT” position and dismount.
Note. If you leave the seat without turning off the engine, the engine will stop automatically and a
buzzer will sound. The buzzer is a warning signal to tell you that the battery will become flattened
unless the key switch is turned off.
Ascending and descending narrow ramps
1. This should only be attempted by people who feel competent driving the mower.
2. Raise the deck to its full height.
3. Put the throttle to idle and use extremely small control lever movements. Practice driving very
slowly on the ground if you are unsure.
4. Do not make sudden control movements. The front of the mower can move sideways very quickly.
5. If the deck is removed, ONLY ASCEND RAMPS BACKWARDS.
