Driving the Machine
This machine has the characteristics of both a garden tractor
and a zero-turn machine. Like a garden tractor, the machine
has a foot pedal that controls the forward and reverse motion
along with the speed, and it has a steering wheel that controls
the direction and the turning radius. Like a zero-turn machine,
the rear drive wheels operate independently of each other,
enabling you to make sharp turns and to turn in different
directions quickly. These characteristics vastly improve the
maneuverability of the machine, but they may also require
you to practice driving if you are unfamiliar with this type of
machine.
WARNING
The machine can spin very rapidly. The operator
may lose control of the machine and cause personal
injury or damage to the machine.
•
Use caution when making turns.
•
Slow the machine down before making sharp
turns.
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured in
rpm (revolutions per minute). Set the throttle control in the
F
AST
position for best performance. For most applications,
operating in the full-throttle position.
Driving Forward or Backward
1.
Move the throttle to the F
AST
position.
2.
Release the parking brake. Refer to
Parking Brake (page 20)
.
3.
Place your foot onto the traction-control pedal and
slowly press the top of the pedal to go forward or press
on the bottom of the pedal to move backward (
Note:
The farther you move the pedal in either
direction, the faster the machine moves in that
direction.
Figure 14
1.
Forward
3.
Backward
2.
Traction-control pedal
4.
To slow down, release the pressure on the
traction-control pedal.
Stopping the Machine
To stop the machine, release the traction-control pedal,
disengage the blade-control switch, ensure that the throttle
is in the
FAST
position, set the parking brake and turn the
ignition key to the O
FF
position. Remove the key from the
ignition switch.
WARNING
Children or bystanders may be injured if they
move or attempt to operate the mower while it is
unattended.
Always remove both the ignition and KeyChoice
keys and set the parking brake when leaving the
machine unattended, even if just for a few minutes.
Mowing in Reverse
The machine has an interlock feature that prevents the mower
deck from mowing while the machine is traveling in reverse.
If you shift into reverse with the PTO engaged, the PTO
will stop. If you need to mow while in reverse gear, you can
temporarily deactivate this interlock.
Note:
Do not mow while backing up unless it is absolutely
necessary.
DANGER
A child or bystander could be backed over by a
riding mower with blades engaged and cause
serious personal injury or death.
•
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary.
•
Always look backward and down before backing
up.
•
Use the KeyChoice switch only if you are certain
no children or other bystanders will appear in
the mowing area.
•
Always remove both the ignition and KeyChoice
keys and put them in a safe place out of the
reach of children or unauthorized users when
leaving the unit unattended.
If you are certain that you can safely mow or operate an
attachment in reverse, complete the following procedure:
1.
Insert the KeyChoice key into the KeyChoice switch
(
2.
Engage the PTO.
3.
Turn the KeyChoice key clockwise until it stops and
release it.
Note:
A red light illuminates on the console to serve
as a reminder that the interlock has been deactivated.
21
