HUSTLER ATZ, Operator'S Manual, Page: 24 / 48

REV C 3-10 604243
Operating suggestions
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer and
lose control. Slow-moving (low engine rpm - idle) practice
maneuvers on a flat open area are recommended to become
familiar with these characteristics before attempting normal
speed operation.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling either
forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel can
damage turf. This is especially important when mowing.
Mower performance is at maximum when the throttle is set at
full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels and
deck when needed. Use the control levers to control ground
speed rather than engine rpm.
Keep blades sharp. Many professional mowing companies
have additional sets of blades and change blades twice a day:
once in the morning and again at noon.
Many problems with
incorrect cutting patterns are due to dull blades or blades which
have been sharpened incorrectly. Information on sharpening
blades is listed in this manual’s maintenance section. In
addition, most communities have individuals or companies
which specialize in sharpening mower blades.
Blade sharpness
should be checked daily.
Use high blade speed. Your mower is designed to operate at
full throttle. The throttle setting directly controls blade speed.
The highest blade speed generally gives the best cut.
Direct grass discharge to the right, away from the unmowed
area. Select a mowing pattern that directs grass discharge
toward the outside, not toward the center, of the mowing area.
Generally, this means using a pattern utilizing
left turns
because side discharge is to the right. In any case, avoid
throwing grass discharge onto unmowed area because grass is
then mowed “twice”. Mowing twice puts an unnecessary load
on the unit and reduces mowing efficiency.
When mowing a lawn for the first time cut grass slightly
longer than normal to avoid scalping uneven terrain. When
possible, it is best to use the cutting height that was used in the
past. When cutting grass taller than six inches, you may want to
mow the lawn twice to achieve a better quality of cut.
During normal mowing cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade. Cutting more than that is not recommended unless grass
is sparse or it is the end of the mowing season.
Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass growing
straight and for better dispersion of the clippings.
Remember, grass grows at different rates at different times
of the year. Mow more often in the early spring to maintain the
same cutting height. As the growth rate slows in midsummer,
mow less frequently. If you cannot mow at a regular interval,
mow at a high cutting height; then mow again two days later at a
lower cutting height.
Raise the cutting height of the mower if the cutting width of
the mower is wider than the previous mower. This ensures that
uneven turf is not cut too short.
Raise the cutting height of the mower if the grass if slightly
taller than normal or if it contains a high degree of moisture.
Then mow it again with the cutting height set lower.
If the machine’s forward motion must be stopped while
mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn.
To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the blades
engaged.
DANGER
Prior to operating the mower the operator should be thor-
oughly familiar with the proper use and operation of the
equipment, should read the manual completely and thor-
oughly, and should have attempted slow moving maneu-
vers to become familiar with the operation of the
equipment before attempting normal speed operation. An
inexperienced operator should not mow on slopes or on
uneven terrain.
WARNING
If you lose steering control while operating the
machine, place the steering control levers in the park
brake position immediately. Inspect the machine and
involve your Hustler
® Dealer to resolve the problem
before continuing to operate.
WARNING
The unit’s steering control levers are very responsive:
Easy does it! For smooth operation, move the levers
slowly, avoiding sudden movement. Skill and ease of
operation come with practice and experience. The
machine can spin very rapidly. Use caution when making
turns and slow down before making sharp turns.
WARNING
Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as gutters or
curbs) should not be directly approached at high speed in
an attempt to “jump” them as the operator could be
thrown from the equipment. Approach at a slow speed
and angle one drive wheel at the obstruction. Continue at
an angle until the wheel clears and then pivot the opposite
wheel around.
DANGER
Never work with blades while engine is running or deck
clutch switch is engaged (on). Always place deck clutch
switch in the disengaged position, place steering control
levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and
disconnect negative battery cable. Block up mower when
you must work under it. Wear gloves when handling
blades. Always check for blade damage if the mower
strikes a rock, branch or other foreign object during mow-
ing!