Not
for
Reproduction
17
en
Basic Driving
Figure 6
Forward
Travel
Figure 7
Reverse
Travel
Smooth Travel
The ground speed levers
of the zero turn rider are
responsive.
The BEST method of
handling the ground
speed levers is in three
steps — as shown in
Figure 5.
FIRST place your hands
onto the levers as
shown.
SECOND, to go forward
gradually push the levers
forward with your palms.
THIRD, to speed up,
move the levers farther
forward. To slow down
smoothly, slowly move
the levers toward neutral.
Figure 5
Forward Travel Practice
Gradually move both ground speed levers — evenly FOR-
WARD from neutral. Slow down and repeat.
Straight forward travel takes practice. If necessary, top
speed can be balance-adjusted — see
Speed Balancing
Adjustment
section.
Reverse Travel Practice
LOOK DOWN & BEHIND, then gradually move both
ground speed levers evenly BACK from neutral. Slow
down and repeat.
Practice backing up for several minutes before attempt-
ing to do so near objects. The rider turns as sharply in
reverse as when going forward, and backing up straight
takes practice.
Zero Turn
Driving Practice
The ground speed levers of the zero turn rider are respon-
sive, 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 accelerates,
travels, and steers — before you begin mowing — is ab-
solutely 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-engine speed during this practice session (AL-
WAYS operate at full engine speed when mowing), and
turn slowly to prevent tire slippage and damage to your
lawn.
We suggest you begin with the Smooth Travel procedure
to the right, and then advance through the forward, re-
verse, and turning maneuvers.
