17
Section 2 Operation
03/11/03
Z52®, Z60® & Z72® Zero Turning Radius Mowers Accu-Z 356-005M
Land Pride
Driving the Mower
!
DANGER!
Never make sudden stops or reverse direction, especially when
going down a slope. The steering is designed for sensitive
response. Rapid movement of the control levers in either
direction could result in a reaction of the mower that can cause
serious injury.
Steering
Refer to Figure 2-9:
After starting engine, engage the control levers and steer
as follows:
To Go Forward:
Push control levers forward an equal distance.
To Go in Reverse:
Pull control levers rearward an equal distance.
To Turn Left:
Move the right control lever farther forward from neutral
than the left control lever.
To Turn Right:
Move the left control lever farther forward from neutral
than the right control lever.
To Pivot Turn:
Move one control lever forward and the other control lever
back of neutral, this will allow the drive wheels to counter-
rotate.
To Stop or Decrease Speed
!
WARNING!
In the event of a system failure while mowing, engage both
parking brakes to stop or slow mower. Refer to Figure 2-4.
Move control levers to neutral. When going forward pull
back gently on control levers. When going in reverse push
forward gently on control levers.
!
DANGER!
When going in reverse push forward gently on control levers
and avoid sudden movement. Any sudden movement could
cause the front of the mower to come off of the ground resulting
in possible loss of control.
To Increase Speed
Increase control levers equal distance from neutral. The
farther forward control levers are from neutral, the faster
mower will travel forward. The farther back control levers
are from neutral, the faster mower will go in reverse.
Operating Suggestions
!
DANGER!
Prior to operating the mower the operator should be thoroughly
familiar with the proper use and operation of the equipment,
should read the manual completely and thoroughly, and should
have attempted slow moving maneuvers to become familiar with
the operation of the equipment before attempting normal speed
operation. An inexperienced operator should not mow on slopes
or on uneven terrain.
!
WARNING!
The mower’s control levers are very responsive: Easy does it!
For smooth operation, move lever slowly, avoid sudden
movement. Skill and ease of operation come with practice and
experience.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to
over-steer and lose control. Slow-moving practice
maneuvers are recommended to become familiar with
these characteristics before attempting normal speed
operation.
!
WARNING!
Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as gutters or curbs)
should not be directly approached at high speed in an attempt
to jump them as the operator could be thrown from the
equipment. Approach at a slow speed and angle one drive wheel
at the obstruction. Continue at an angle until the wheel clears
and then pivot the opposite wheel around.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling
either forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped
wheel can damage turf. This is especially important when
mowing.
Peak mowing performance is maintained when the throttle
is set at full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive
wheels and deck when needed. Use the control levers to
control ground speed rather than engine rpm.
!
WARNING!
Do not operate the equipment while wearing sandals, tennis
shoes, sneakers, shorts or any type of loose fitting clothing.
Always wear long pants, safety glasses and safety shoes when
operating this machine.
Keep blades sharp. Many professional mowing
companies have additional sets of blades and change
blades twice a day: once in the morning and again at
noon. Many problems with incorrect cutting patterns are
due to dull blades or blades which have been sharpened
incorrectly. Information on sharpening blades is listed in
this manual’s maintenance section. In addition, most
communities have individuals or companies which
specialize in sharpening mower blades. Blade sharpness
should be checked daily.
