Hustler Turf 4300 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
WARNING: Never drive the tractor at high
speeds without a front end attachment mounted
to the tool bars or with the attachment in a raised
position.
After starting engine, release parking brake (if set);
engage hydraulic pump clutch lever, release the front neutral
lock (move it up and forward) and steer as follows:
To go forward, push steering control lever forward (Fig.
3-8).
To go in reverse, use ball of the left foot to lift rear
neutral lock and pull lever back (Fig. 3-8 and 3-9). The lock
should return to down (lock) position when lever is returned
forward past neutral. This prevents sudden reversing during
normal forward operation and stopping.
To turn left, rotate steering control lever counter-
clockwise while pushing steering control lever forward.
To turn right, rotate steering control lever clockwise
while pushing steering control lever forward. The tractor
will make a smooth wide turn (Fig. 3-10).
To zero turn, rotate steering lever the direction desired
with the lever at or near the neutral position. This will allow
the drive wheels to counter-rotate.
To stop or decrease speed, move steering lever to neutral.
When going forward pull back gently on lever. When going
in reverse push forward gently on lever.
To increase speed, increase steering lever’s distance from
neutral. The farther forward lever is from neutral, the faster
tractor will travel forward. The farther back lever is from
neutral, the faster tractor will go in reverse.
Operating suggestions
WARNING: The Hustler steering control lever
is very responsive: Easy does it! For smooth
operation, move lever slowly, avoid sudden
movement. Skill and ease of operation come
with practice and experience.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer
and lose control. Slow-moving practice maneuvers are
recommended to become familiar with these characteristics
before attempting normal speed operation.
Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as gutters or
curbs) should not be directly approached at high speed in an
attempt to “jump” them. Approach at a slow speed and
angle one drive wheel at the obstruction. Continue at an
angle until the wheel clears and then pivot the opposite
wheel around.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling
either forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel
can damage turf. This is especially important when
mowing.
Maintain an even recommended tire pressure. This affects
the rolling radius of the wheels and tractor will want to veer
off in the direction of the tire with least pressure.
Tractor performance is maximum when the throttle is set
at full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels
when needed, faster response for the hydraulic lift and
auxiliary cylinders plus maximum PTO power. Use the
steering control lever to control ground speed rather than
engine rpm.
WARNING: Some front mounted attachments
are heavy enough to lift the rear tractor wheels
off the ground when raised for turning, backing
or transporting. Your Hustler can be equipped
with rear stack weights to counter-balance the
tractor in these circumstances. Consult your
dealer for information.
WARNING: If tractor is equipped with a ROPS
always buckle seat belt before starting tractor.
728444 Rev. 11/02
3-6