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10
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR Z-SERIES
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your mower.
Read instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT:
Your unit is shipped with oil; however, you
MUST check the oil level before operating. Be careful
not to overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause the engine
to smoke. This will result in poor engine performance
and could cause permanent engine damage.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors
with engine running or until the engine
has been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running. Do not fill closer
than 1/2 inch from the top of the fuel tank
to prevent spills and to allow for fuel
expansion. If gasoline is accidently
spilled, move unit away from area of spill.
Avoid creating any source of ignition until
gasoline vapors have disappeared.
Operating Guidelines
• Study this manual carefully for it has been provided
to help you safely operate and maintain this unit
and familiarize yourself with all instruments and
controls.
• NO RIDERS! Keep children and pets away from
unit during operation.
• Always look down and behind before and while
backing up.
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and
switches) in place and working.
• Use the SLOPE GAUGE to determine safe
operating areas. Go up and down slopes, not
across.
• Before leaving operator’s position, disengage the
PTO (down), engage the parking brake and turn
ignition switch to OFF.
IMPORTANT:
We do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
They may cause damage to electric components,
spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine.
Stopping The Z-Series
• Bring the Z-Series to a stop by pulling the drive
handles to the neutral position.
• Disengage the PTO (down).
• Push down on the brake pedal and hold.
• Push down on the parking brake to lock
engagement.
• Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
• Remove the key.
WARNING: Always remove the key from
the ignition switch to avoid accidental
starting.
Safety interlock Switches
• The engine will not crank or start without the brake
pedal fully engaged and the PTO disengaged
(down).
• If the operator leaves the unit with the PTO in the
RUN position or the parking brake disengaged, it
automatically shuts the engine off.
Starting Engine
• Insert the key into the ignition switch.
• Move the choke lever to the full choke position (all
the way toward the front of the unit).
• Move the throttle lever to the FAST (Rabbit)
position (all the way toward the front of the unit).
NOTE: Less choking may be required due to engine
temperature variance. If the engine is warm, choking
may not be necessary.
• Push the PTO (power take-off) switch to OFF.
• Fully depress the brake pedal.
• Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the engine starts. It will return
to the ON position.
• Move the choke lever to the OFF position
(rearward).
NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer to
the TROUBLESHOOTING section.
Driving the Z-Series
• Set the throttle to the fastest position (rabbit).
• Release the parking brake by depressing the
parking brake pedal.
• Gradually move the drive handles in the desired
direction, referring to the Quick Reference Chart.
NOTE: The Z-Series speed is based on the position of
the drive handles. Push the handles forward to increase
speed and back toward neutral for slower speeds.
Driving On Slopes
Before operating the Z-Series on any slope:
• Use the SLOPE GAUGE to determine if the slope is
safe for operation.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a
slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The
tractor could overturn and cause serious
injury.