10
Operating the Zero Turn Rider
ZERO TURN
DRIVING PRACTICE
The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are
responsive,
and learning to gain a
smooth and efficient control of the
rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements will take
some practice.
Spending some time going through the maneuvers
shown and becoming familiar with how the unit acceler-
ates, 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 proce-
dure to the right, and then advance through the forward,
reverse, and turning maneuvers.
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.
FIRST place the palms of
your hands onto the
levers as shown.
SECOND, to go forward
gradually push the levers
toward the console with
your palms.
THIRD, to speed up
move the levers farther
forward. To slow down
smoothly, loosen your
grip on the console and
allow the levers to return
toward neutral.
Figure 8. Forward Travel
Figure 9. Reverse Travel
Figure 7. Move Control
Levers Gradually.
Forward Travel Practice
Gradually move both ground speed control levers —
evenly FORWARD from neutral. Slow down and repeat.
NOTE: Straight forward travel takes practice. If neces-
sary, top speed can be balance-adjusted — see the Top
Speed Adjustment Knobs in the Adjustments section
near the back of this manual.
Reverse Travel Practice
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.
WARNING
Make certain the area of operation, and especially
the direction of travel is clear of objects, people
and animals.
Always look DOWN AND BEHIND before backing!
BASIC DRIVING
F
R
F
R
❶
F
R
F
R
❷
F
R
F
R
❸
F
R
F
R
F
R
F
R
Forward
Travel
Reverse
Travel
