OpERATION
Read the Safety section and following pages, if you are unfamiliar with the machine.
Training
Zero turn mowers are far more maneuverable than typical riding mowers due to their unique steering capabilities.
We suggest that this section be reviewed in its entirety prior to attempting to move the mower under its own power. Additionally, we suggest when first operating the mower, use a reduced throttle speed and reduced ground speed by NOT moving control levers to the furthest forward or reverse positions during initial operation, or until operator becomes comfortable with controls. We also suggest first time users, or new users to Zero Turn mowers to become familiar with the mower’s movement on a hard surface, such as concrete or blacktop PRIOR to attempting to operate on turf. Until operator becomes comfortable with mower controls and zero turning capability, they may damage turf due to overly aggressive maneuvers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When control levers are in the reverse position they return to neutral when released. This may cause the mower to suddenly stop.
inward. As long as the control levers have not been moved forward or backwards, mower will not move.
Slowly move both control levers forward slightly. This will allow mower to start moving forward in a straight line. Pull back on control levers to the neutral position and mower should stop moving. Pull back slightly on control levers, this will allow mower to start moving backwards. Push forward on control levers to the neutral position and mower should stop moving.
To turn to the right
While moving in a forward direction, pull the right lever back towards the neutral position while maintaining the position of the left lever, this will slow the rotation of the right wheel and cause the machine to turn in that direction.
To turn to the left
While moving in a forward direction pull the left lever back towards the neutral position while maintaining the position of the right lever, this will slow the rotation of the left wheel and cause the machine to turn in that direction.
To zero turn
While moving in a forward direction, first pull both control levers back until the mower stops or slows dramatically. Then by alternating one lever slightly to the forward position and the other in the reverse position.
Steering
To move forward and backward
The direction and speed of the mower’s movements is effected by the movement of the control lever(s) on each side of mower. The left control lever controls the left wheel. The right control lever controls the right wheel.
First time users should push mower (see Manual
Transport in the Operation section) to an open, flat area, without other people or vehicles/obstacles nearby. In order to move unit under its own power, the operator must be in the seat, start engine (see
Before Starting in Operation section), adjust engine speed to idle, disengage parking brake, do not engage blades at this time, rotate control levers
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OpERATION
Before Starting
• Read the sections Safety Instructions and
Controls before starting the machine.
• Perform the daily maintenance before starting (see Maintenance Schedule in the
Maintenance section).
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•
Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank.
Adjust the seat to the desired position.
The following conditions must be fulfilled before the engine can be started:
• The blade switch for engaging the mower blades must be depressed.
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•
The parking brake must be on.
Both steering controls must be in the locked
(outer) neutral position.
Starting the Engine
• Sit on the seat.
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Raise the mower deck by pushing the release button on the top of the lifting lever. Pull the lifting lever backward to the locked (transport) position.
Activate the parking brake by pushing the release button in and pulling the lever fully upwards.
Cut height lift lever
Disengage the mower blades by depressing the blade switch.
Released parking brake
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Blade switch
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OpERATION
Move the steering controls outward to the locked
(outer) neutral position.
Move the throttle to the middle position.
Place controls in neutral position
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If the engine is cold, pull the choke control knob up.
NOTE: On models without a separate choke control, push throttle control all the way forward to the choke position.
Set the throttle
Set the choke control
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OpERATION
Press in and turn the ignition key to the start position.
When the engine starts, immediately release the ignition key back to the run position.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not run the starter for more than 5 seconds each time. If the engine does not start, wait approximately 10 seconds before retrying.
Set the desired engine speed with the throttle. Allow the engine to run at a moderate speed, “half throttle”, for 3-5 minutes before loading it too heavily.
USE FULL THROTTLE WHEN MOWING.
Return to run position
WARNING!
Engine exhaust and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals considered to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive system damage. The engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is a odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use the machine in enclosed spaces.
Set the engine speed
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OpERATION
Weak Battery
WARNING!
Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries.
If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See Battery in the Maintenance section.)
If “jumper cables” are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Your mower is equipped with a 12-volt negative grounded system. The other vehicle must also be a 12-volt negative grounded system. Do not use your mower to start other vehicles.
Jumper cable connection
Jumper Cables
1. Connect each end of the RED cable to the
POSITIVE (+) terminal on each battery, taking care not to short against chassis.
2.
3.
Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the
NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the fully charged battery.
Connect the other end of the BLACK cable to a good CHASSIS GROUND on the mower with the discharged battery, away from the fuel tank and battery.
To remove cables, reverse order
1. Remove BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery.
2. Remove RED cable last from both batteries.
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OpERATION
Running
1.
2.
Release the parking brake by moving the lever downward.
Your mower is equipped with an operator presence system. When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.
Move the steering controls to the neutral position (N).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The mower deck’s anti-scalp rollers should be evenly adjusted.
3. Set retaining pin into selected cutting height and secure the opposite side with a cotter hairpin.
Released parking brake
WARNING!
Ensure that no one is near mower when engaging blade switch. Make sure the work area is free from objects that could be thrown by the rotating blades.
4.
5.
6.
Push the release button on the cutting height lever and move lever to the pin, release the button.
Set the cutting height with the cutting height adjustment lever.
Engage the mower deck by pulling out the blade switch.
Secure selected cutting height
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Mower deck lifting lever
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OpERATION
7. Move throttle control to full throttle (not choke).
The machine’s speed and direction are continuously variable using the two steering controls. When both controls are in the neutral position, the machine stands still.
By moving both controls an equal amount forward or backward, the machine moves in a straight line forward or backward respectively.
In order, for example, to turn right while moving forward, move the right control towards the neutral position. The rotation of the right wheel is reduced and the machine turns to the right.
Turning on the spot can be achieved by moving one control backward (behind the neutral position) and carefully moving the other steering control forward from its neutral position.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Control levers return to neutral when released.
This may cause the mower to suddenly stop.
Set blade engagement and throttle control
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Operating On Hills
Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes in the
Safety section.
WARNING!
Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across slopes.
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•
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The slowest speed possible should be used before starting up or down hills.
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
If stopping is absolutely necessary, pull drive levers into the neutral position and push to the outside of the unit and engage the parking brake.
To restart movement, release the parking brake.
Pull the control levers back to the center of the mower and press forward to regain forward motion.
Make all turns slowly.
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Place controls in neutral position and engage the parking brake.
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OpERATION
Mowing Tips
• Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects to avoid collisions.
• Begin with a high cutting height and reduce it until the desired mowing result is attained.
The average lawn should be cut to 2½” (64 mm) during the cool season and over 3” (76 mm) during the hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often after moderate growth.
For best cutting performance, grass over 6”
(15 cm) in height should be mowed twice.
Make the first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.
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The mowing result will be best with a high engine speed (the blades rotate rapidly) and low speed (the rider moves slowly). If the grass is not too long and dense, the driving speed can be increased without negatively affecting the mowing result.
The finest lawns are obtained by mowing often. The lawn becomes more even and the grass clippings more evenly distributed over the mown area. The total time taken is not increased as a higher operating speed can be used without poor mowing results.
Avoid mowing wet lawns. The mowing result is poorer because the wheels sink into the soft lawn, clumps build, and the grass clippings fasten under the cowling.
Hose the mower deck underside with water after each use. When cleaning, the mower deck shall be raised into the transport position. Make sure the mower is cooled and the engine is off.
Use compressed air to clean top surface of the deck. Avoid flooding water on top surface, engine and electrical components.
When the mulching kit is used, it is important that the mowing interval is frequent.
Mowing pattern
WARNING!
Clear the lawn of stones and other objects that can be thrown out by the blades.
WARNING!
Never drive the rider on terrain that slopes more than 10 degrees. Mow slopes up and down, never side to side. Avoid sudden directional changes.
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OpERATION
Stopping the Engine
Allow the engine to idle a minute in order to attain normal operating temperature before stopping it, if it has been worked hard. Avoid idling the engine for longer periods, as there is a risk of the spark plugs fouling.
1. Disengage the mower deck by depressing the blade switch.
2. Raise the mower deck by depressing the button and pulling backward to the transport position.
Disengage the mower deck
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3.
4.
5.
6.
When the machine is standing still, activate the parking brake by pulling the lever upward.
Move the throttle to the minimum position (tortoise symbol). Turn the ignition key to the stop position.
Move the steering controls outward.
Remove key. Always remove key when leaving the mower to prevent unauthorized use.
Mower deck lifting lever
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Leaving the ignition switch in any other position than “OFF” will cause the battery to be discharged.
Released parking brake
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OpERATION
Manual Transport
When pushing or pulling the mower, engage the EZT
(Integrated Zeroturn Transaxle) bypass linkages. The
EZT bypass linkages are located on the rear of the frame, below the rear engine guard.
1. Raise the deck into the highest cutting position.
2.
3.
Pull the EZT bypass linkages up and out of the keyhole slots. Release the levers with the head outside the frame and held in the bypass position.
To reengage the EZT’s to drive, reverse the above procedure.
Bypass linkage, EZT engaged
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Bypass linkage, EZT locked in the bypass position
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