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Operating suggestions
DANGER: Prior to operating the tractor the
operator should be thoroughly familiar with the
proper use and operation of the equipment,
should read the manual completely and
thoroughly, and should have attempted slow
moving maneuvers to become familiar with the
operation of the equipment before attempting
normal speed operation. An inexperienced
operator should not mow on slopes or on uneven
terrain.
WARNING: If you lose steering control while
operating the machine, place the steering
control levers in the park brake position
immediately. Inspect the machine and involve
your Hustler dealer to resolve the problem
before continuing to operate.
WARNING: The unit’s control levers are very
responsive: Easy does it! For smooth operation,
move lever slowly, avoid sudden movement.
Skill and ease of operation come with practice
and experience.
WARNING: Children or bystanders may be
injured if they move or attempt to operate the
tractor while it is unattended. Always disengage
deck clutch, place control levers in park brake
position, stop tractor engine, and remove ignition
key when leaving operator’s seat.
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.
WARNING: Sharp depressions or raised
obstacles (such as gutters or curbs) should not be
directly approached at high speed in an attempt
to “jump” them as the operator could be thrown
from the equipment. 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.
Tractor performance is maximum when the throttle is set
at full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels
and deck when needed. Use the control levers to control
ground speed rather than engine rpm.
WARNING: Do not operate the equipment
while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers,
shorts or any type of loose fitting clothing.
Always wear long pants, safety glasses and
safety shoes when operating this machine.
Keep blades sharp. Many professional mowing
companies have additional sets of blades and change blades
twice a day: once in the morning and again at noon. Many
problems with incorrect cutting patterns are due to dull
blades or blades which have been sharpened incorrectly.
Information on sharpening blades is listed in this manual’s
maintenance section. In addition, most communities have
individuals or companies which specialize in sharpening
mower blades. Blade sharpness should be checked daily.
Use high blade speed. Your Hustler Z is designed to
operate at full throttle. The throttle setting directly controls
blade speed. The highest blade speed generally gives best
cut.
Direct grass discharge to right, away from unmown
area. Select a mowing pattern that directs grass discharge
towards the outside, not towards center, of mowing area.
Generally, this means using a pattern utilizing left turns
because side discharge (Fig. 3-10) is to right. In any case,
avoid throwing grass discharge onto unmowed area because
grass is then mowed “twice”. Mowing twice puts an
unnecessary load on the unit and reduces mowing efficiency.
When mowing a lawn for the first time cut grass
slightly longer than normal to avoid scalping uneven terrain.
When possible, it is best to use the cutting height that was
used in the past. When cutting grass taller than six inches,
you may want to mow the lawn twice to achieve a better
quality of cut.
During normal mowing cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade. Cutting more than that is not recommended unless
grass is sparse or it is the end of the mowing season.
Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass growing
straight and better dispersion of the clippings.
Remember, grass grows at different rates at different
time of the year. Mow more often in the early spring to
maintain the same cutting height. As the growth rate slows
in mid summer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow at
a regular interval, mow at a high cutting height; then mow
375527_0406
3-5
Figure 3-10
Side discharge chute