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Section 2: Operating Procedures
Z44 & Z52 (S/N 526171 & Above) Accu-Z Razor
®
Zero Turn Mowers 357-187M
7/22/10
Table of Contents
Mower Deck Operation
!
DANGER
Never attempt to make any adjustments to the mower deck
while the engine is running or when the blades are engaged.
Mower blades cannot be seen and are located very close to
deck housing. Fingers and toes can be cut off instantly.
With the engine running at a medium speed, engage
blades (Refer to Figure 2-10). Advance engine throttle to
full rpm once the blades have become fully engaged.
Blade Engagement Switch
Figure 2-10
NOTE: Engaging the blades at high engine rpm or
when under heavy load (in tall grass for example)
can cause belts to slip, resulting in premature wear
or possible damage.
23686
Blade
Engagement
Switch
General Operating Information
After thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the Operator’s
Manual and completing the Operator’s Checklist, you are
almost ready to begin mowing.
Approach the mower from the front. Spread the control
levers fully apart if they aren’t already in the wide-open
position. Taking care not to step on either side of the
mower deck, step up on the operator’s platform and
comfortably seat yourself. With both control levers still
wide apart reach for the throttle and choke control to your
right side. Position the throttle control at half throttle and
pull the choke to the “up/on” position. Insert your ignition
key and rotate the ignition key clockwise until you hear
the engine begin to start. Release the ignition key and
push the choke to “down/off” position. Allow the engine to
warm up momentarily. If your mower has just been
running and the engine is already warm, using the choke
is usually not necessary.
With the engine at half throttle, pull the control levers in
to bring both control levers equally together in the neutral
position just in front of you. It’s now time to test your
steering skills. Gently push both control levers equally
forward. The farther forward you push the levers the
faster you will go. Pull back equally and you will slow
down coming to a stop when you reach the neutral
position. Now slowly pull the levers back toward your
body past neutral position. The mower will reverse
direction and increase in speed as you pull further back.
If you push one lever forward and pull one lever back the
mower will do a Zero turn in the direction of the control
lever closest to your body. Now take a few moments in a
safe area to practice steering your mower with the
engine still at half throttle. Gradually increase your
throttle speed until you feel totally confident in your
mower steering and handling ability.
After removing all obstacles from the lawn, it is now time
to cut the grass. With your mower at half throttle, place
your right foot on the deck lift pedal and release and
lower the deck to your preset cutting height. With your
right hand, pull up on the cutting blade engagement knob
and increase the engine speed to full throttle. You may
now begin mowing.
When you are done mowing or just want to take a break,
make sure you:
•
Park on level ground if possible
•
Disengage the cutting blades
•
Throttle back
•
Move the control levers to wide-open
•
Turn the engine off
•
Remove the key
•
Step carefully off the left front corner of the operator’s
platform
•
You may want to chock the wheels as an added
measure of safety, if and when you must park on an
incline.
