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10
Operating the Zero Turn Rider
ZERO TURN
DRIVING PRACTICE
The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive,
and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the
rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements 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-throttle during this practice session (ALWAYS
operate at full throttle 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.
You must release the parking brake prior to moving the
control levers inward.
BASIC DRIVING
Forward Travel Practice
Gradually move both ground speed 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
ground speed 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 sharply
in reverse as well as forward, and backing up straight
takes practice.
Figure 4. Forward Travel
Forward
Travel
Figure 5. Forward Travel
Reverse
Travel
Smooth Travel
The lever controls of the
Zero Turn rider are
RESPONSIVE
.
The BEST method of
handling the ground
speed control 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