HUSTLER FasTrak 42, Owner'S Manual, Page: 17 / 33

4-6 601396_0109
IMPORTANT: Rapid movement of steering control levers
is not recommended as damage to the hydraulic system compo-
nents may occur.
To increase speed, increase steering control lever’s distance
from neutral. The farther forward steering control levers are
from neutral, the faster tractor will travel forward. The farther
back steering control levers are from neutral, the faster tractor
will go in reverse.
Operating suggestions
DANGER: Prior to operating the tractor the operator
should be thoroughly familiar with the proper use and
operation of the equipment, should read the manual
completely and thoroughly, and should have attempted
slow moving maneuvers 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 operat-
ing 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 lever slowly, avoid 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.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer and
lose control. Slow-moving practice maneuvers are
recommended to become familiar with these characteristics
before attempting normal speed operation.
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 equip-
ment. 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.
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.
Tractor performance is 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.
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 mower strikes rock,
branch or other foreign object during mowing!
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 best cut.
FRONT OF TRACTOR FACES THIS DIRECTION
Fig. 4-6
N N
FORWARD TRAVEL ZERO DEGREE
TURN
FORWARD TRAVEL
RIGHT TURN
REVERSE TRAVEL
RIGHT TURN
REVERSE TRAVEL
N= NEUTRAL POSITION
Direction of arrows indicate direction of tractor movement