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Section 2: Operating
7/16/07
ZR44 & ZR52 (S/N 472619 and below) Zero Turning Radius Mowers Riding Mowers 356-059M
Land Pride
!
WARNING!
Never operate the mower deck with discharge chute removed or
in raised position.
!
WARNING!
Always check area to be mowed for rocks and other debris
before mowing.
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, engage the blades (Refer to
Figure 2-10) and advance engine throttle to full rpm.
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.
Blade Engagement
Switch
Blade Engagement Switch
Figure 2-10
20670
Operating Instructions
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 steering
levers fully apart if they aren’t already in the wide-open
parking brake position. Taking care not to step on either
side of the mower deck, step up on the operators’ platform
and comfortably seat yourself. With both steering levers
still wide apart now 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 reach forward and bring
both steering levers equally together in the neutral
position just in front of you. It’s now time to test your
steering skills. Gently push both steering 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 steering 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.
It’s now time to cut the grass. Hopefully you have already
removed any obstacles from the lawn that you do not want
run over. 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 do all of the following. Park on level
ground, disengage the cutting blade, throttle back, leave
the steering levers in wide-open parking brake position,
turn the engine off, remove the key, and step carefully off
the front of the machine.
