OPeRaTION
Read the Safety Instructions section and the 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.
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.
moved forward or backwards, the 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, the mower turns to the direction of the reverse position lever.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When control levers are in the reverse position they return to neutral when released. This may cause the mower to suddenly stop.
First time users should push mower (see Manual
Transport in the
Operation section) to an open, flat area, without other people or vehicles or obstacles nearby. To move unit under its own power, the operator must be in the seat, start engine (see
Before Starting in the
Operation section), adjust engine speed to idle, disengage parking brake, do not engage blades at this time, rotate control levers inward. As long as the control levers have not been
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OPeRaTION
Roll Bar and Safety Belt
operate the unit with the roll bar in the raised and locked position and use the seat belt. There is no rollover protection when the roll bar is down. If it is necessary to lower roll bar, do not wear the seat belt.
Raise the roll bar as soon as clearance permits.
WARNING!
The seat belt must be used when the roll bar is in upright position.
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).
•
•
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:
1. The blade switch for engaging the mower blades must be depressed.
2. The parking brake must be on.
Roll bar in upright position
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3. Both steering controls must be in the locked
(outer) neutral position.
Activate parking brake before starting
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Place controls in neutral position
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OPeRaTION
Starting the Engine
1. Sit on the seat.
2.
3.
Raise the mower deck to the transport position by setting the lift pedals fully forward.
Activate the parking brake.
4. Disengage the mower blades by depressing the blade switch.
Set mower deck to the transport position
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5. Move the steering controls outward to the locked (outer) neutral position.
Press the control for disengaging the mower deck
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Place controls in neutral position
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6. Move the throttle to the middle position.
OPeRaTION
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7. If the engine is cold, the choke control should be pulled outward to the choke position.
Set the throttle
8. open the fuel tank valve.
Set the choke control
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Fuel valve in the OPEN position
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OPeRaTION
9. Press in and turn the ignition key to the start position.
10. When the engine starts, immediately release the ignition key back to the run position.
Turn to START position
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not run the starter for more than 5 seconds each time. If the engine does not start, wait about 10 seconds before retrying.
Release ignition to the RUN position
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OPeRaTION
11. Push the choke control in gradually when the engine has started.
Push choke in after starting
12. 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 (no choke).
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 an 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The 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 the mower to start other vehicles.
If “jumper cables” are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure:
Jumper Cables
• Connect each end of the RED cable to the
PoSITIVE (+) terminal on each battery, taking care not to short against chassis.
•
•
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
• Remove BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery.
• Remove RED cable last from both batteries.
Jumper cable connection
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OPeRaTION
Running
1. Release the parking brake by moving the lever downward.
NoTE: The 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.
2. Move the steering controls to the neutral position (N).
3. The cutting height can be set from 1"- 5"
(2.5 cm-12.7 cm) by setting the cutting height pin into the desired hole. Release deck height control by applying equal pressure to both pedals.
Release the parking brake
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Push foot pedal fully forward for transport position. Set pin at desired cutting height. (Pin is removed by rotating 180 o
.) Push pedals again to lower deck to selected setting.
Cut height selection pedals
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Set deck to selected cutting height
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OPeRaTION
4. Make sure the work area is free from objects that could be thrown by the rotating blades.
WARNING!
Ensure that no one is near mower when engaging blade switch.
5.
6.
Engage the mower deck by pulling out the blade switch.
Move throttle control to full throttle.
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.
Engage the mower deck and move throttle to full.
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Operating on Hills
Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes in the
Safety Instructions.
WARNING!
Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across slopes.
•
•
The slowest speed possible should be used before starting up or down hills.
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Control levers return to neutral when released.
This may cause the mower to suddenly stop.
•
•
•
•
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.
Place controls in neutral position
Release the parking brake
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OPeRaTION
Stopping the Engine
Move the throttle to the minimum position (tortoise symbol). If the engine has been worked hard, allow it to idle at least 60 seconds to attain a normal operating temperature before stopping. To prevent fouling the spark plugs, avoid idling the engine for longer periods.
• Disengage the mower deck by depressing the blade switch.
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Disengage the mower deck and move throttle to minimum
•
•
•
Raise the mower deck by pressing the foot pedal forward to the transport position.
When the machine is standing still, activate the parking brake by pulling the lever upward.
Turn the ignition key to the stop position.
•
•
Move the steering controls outward.
Remove key. To prevent unauthorized use, always remove key when leaving the mower.
Raise deck to transport position
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Place controls in neutral position to stop
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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.
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 and that the deck is cleaned more often.
Mowing pattern
WARNING!
Clear the lawn of stones and other objects that can be thrown out by the blades.
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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
Manual Transport
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tighten the valve moderately.
Do not overtighten the valve when closing.
That can damage the valve seat.
Pump Release Valves
Pump release valves are located at the rear of each pump. They are used to release the system so the machine may be moved by hand when not running.
Tilt the seat forward and remove the fan cover to gain access to the pump.
Use a
5
/
8
" wrench or socket and ratchet. Turn the pump release valve ½ turn. Reverse the procedure to reset the pump.
Remove fan cover to access release valves
WARNING!
•
•
No adjustments or maintenance should be carried out unless:
• the engine stopped the ignition key removed the parking brake activated
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