Not for
Reproduction
Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown and
becoming familiar with how the unit accelerates, travels, and
steers — before you begin mowing —is absolutely essential to
getting the most out of the Zero Turn rider.
Locate a smooth, flat area of your lawn — one with plenty of
room to maneuver. (Clear the area of objects, people and animals
before you begin.) Operate the unit at mid-throttle during this
practice session (ALWAYS operate at full throttle when mowing),
and turn slowly to prevent tire slippage and damage to your lawn.
We suggest you begin with the Smooth Travel procedure to the
right, and then advance through the forward, reverse, and turning
maneuvers.
You must release the parking brake prior to moving the control
levers inward.
Smooth Travel
The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive.
The BEST method of handling the ground speed control levers
is in three steps — as shown in Figure 7.
7
FIRST place your hands onto the levers as shown.
SECOND, to go forward gradually push the levers forward with
your palms.
THIRD, to speed up move the levers farther forward. To slow
down smoothly, slowly move the levers toward neutral.
Basic Driving
Forward Travel Practice
8
Gradually move both ground speed control levers — evenly
FORWARD from neutral. Slow down and repeat.
NOTE: Straight forward travel takes practice. If necessary, top
speed can be balance-adjusted — see the Speed Balancing
Adjustment in the Adjustments section near the back of this
manual.
Reverse Travel Practice
9
LOOK DOWN & BEHIND, then gradually move both ground
speed control levers evenly BACK from neutral. Slow down and
repeat.
NOTE: Practice backing up for several minutes before attempting
to do so near objects. The rider turns sharply in reverse as well
as forward, and backing up straight takes practice.
Practice Turning Around A Corner
16
