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NOTE: The Z-Series speed is based on the position of
the drive handles. Push the handles forward to increase
speed and back toward neutral for slower speeds.
Driving On Slopes
Before operating the Z-Series on any slope:
• Use the SLOPE GAUGE to determine if the slope is
safe for operation.
WARNING: Do not mow 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.
• If safe for operation, walk the slope and look for
hazards such as rocks, mounds, ruts, stumps, or
other irregularities.
• After removing debris and identifying irregularities
of the slope, back the Z-Series up the steepest
slope you intend to work. If it cannot negotiate the
slope in reverse, the slope is too steep.
Use the following guidelines when operating on a slope:
• Drive UP and DOWN slopes. Never drive across
slopes.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If you must
turn, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving on a slope. If you must
stop, start slowly and smoothly to reduce the
chance of flipping the Z-Series over backwards.
Mowing
• For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the
balance of cutting. This will give a better
appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut grass too short. Short grass invites weed
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at
full throttle.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if
mulching or bagging.
• Under heavier conditions, it may be necessary to
go back over the cut area a second time to get a
clean cut.
• Do not attempt to mow heavy brush, weeds, or
extremely tall grass. Your Z-Series is designed to
mow lawns, not clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades
when worn. Refer to the MAINTENANCE section of
the manual for proper blade sharpening
instructions.
Pushing Your Unit
To push your unit you will have to first relieve the
hydrostatic pumps.
WARNING: The hydraulic relief levers are
near engine parts that can be hot. To avoid
injury wait until engine parts have cooled
before disengaging.
• Position the Z-Series on a flat and level surface and
engage the parking brake.
• Remove the hydraulic relief levers from the lock
position. There is a lever for the right and left
hydraulic pump.
• Slide the levers into the slots to relieve the
hydraulic pumps. See Figure 9.
• Disengage parking brake and push unit.
Figure 9
Quick Reference Chart
The Z-Series can turn with a zero radius. The Z-Series
uses the rear tires to turn. When turning with a zero
radius, the rear tires are used as the pivot point. A
conventional tractor can make a circle but it needs a
turning radius, usually based on the distance between
the front and rear wheels. With a shorter overall length
and a zero turn radius, the Z-Series has an excellent
maneuverability.
The Z-Series does not have a steering wheel, instead
drive handles are used to steer and to move the unit.
When the drive handles are in the full positions (pull or
push), the wheels turn at full speed based on the
throttle setting. Positions between neutral and full are
proportional across the range based on the throttle
setting. The quick reference chart indicates the
direction the Z-Series will move based on the position
of the drive handles. See Figure 10.
Relief
Lever
Lock Position
(Unit will
not roll)
Neutral Position
(Unit will roll)
Left Relief Lever Shown