MTD ZT 42 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
20
Executing a Zero Turn
WARNING: When executing a zero turn,
the tractor MUST BE STOPPED.
Executing a zero turn while the tractor is
moving can significantly reduce your
control of the tractor and will cause
severe turf defacement to occur.
Stop the forward or reverse motion of the tractor
by moving the two drive control levers to neutral.
To turn clockwise, slowly move the left control
lever forward while simultaneously moving the
right control lever rearward. See Figure 17.
Figure 17
To turn counterclockwise, slowly move the right
control lever forward while simultaneously moving
the left control lever rearward. See Figure 18.
Figure 18
STOPPING THE TRACTOR
Move both drive control levers to the neutral
position to stop the motion of the tractor.
Push the PTO switch downward to the
disengaged position.
Use the deck lift handle to raise the deck to its
highest position.
If dismounting the tractor:
- Move the drive control handles fully outward in
the neutral position.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Move the throttle control lever to the fast
position if operating a ZT42 tractor, or to the
slow position if operating a ZT50 tractor.
- Turn the ignition switch to “OFF’” and remove
the key from the switch.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 10 to help
determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
WARNING: Do not operate 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.
Always drive across slopes, never up and down.
Control the speed and direction of the tractor
using primarily the control lever on the downhill
side of the tractor, with the uphill control lever
remaining essentially in a fixed position.
Avoid turning downhill if possible. Start at the
bottom of a slope and work upward. Always slow
down before turning.
Use extra care and go slowly when turning
downhill.
OPERATING THE PTO
Operate the PTO clutch as follows:
Move the throttle control lever to approximately
the mid throttle position.
Pull the PTO switch upward to the “ENGAGED”
position.
Advance the throttle lever to the operating speed
(full engine speed).
The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all
times. If the operator should leave the seat
without turning off the power take-off switch, the
tractor’s engine will shut off.
The PTO clutch cannot be operated when the
tractor is driving in the reverse direction. The
PTO will disengage when both drive control
levers are moved to the reverse position, and will
re-engage when one (or both) control levers are
moved to the neutral or forward position.
CLOCKWISE ZERO TURN
COUNTERCLOCKWISE ZERO TURN