Operation
12
ZERO TURN
DRIVING PRACTICE
The motion control levers of the zero turn rider are
responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient
control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning move-
ments 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-engine speed during this practice session
(ALWAYS 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,
reverse, and turning maneuvers.
BASIC DRIVING
Forward Travel Practice
Gradually move both motion 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
Speed Balancing Adjustment in the Adjustments section
near the back of this manual.
Reverse Travel Practice
LOOK DOWN & BEHIND, then gradually move both
motion 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 as
sharply in reverse as when going forward, and backing
up straight takes practice.
Figure 4. Forward Travel
Forward
Travel
Figure 5. Reverse Travel
Reverse
Travel
Smooth Travel
The motion control levers
of the zero turn rider are
responsive .
The BEST method of han-
dling the ground speed
levers is in three steps —
as shown in Figure 3.
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 3. Move Control
Levers Gradually
