18
www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com
OPERATION
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
accelerates, 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
necessary, 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 AND 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 Figure 5. 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
Reverse
Travel
Forward
Travel
Not for
Reproduction