2. As the reverse drive pedal is pushed farther forward the speed of the mower
will increase.
3. To slow the mower release the reverse drive pedal to attain the desired speed, or
allow the pedal to return to the neutral position to stop the mower.
Turning While Driving Rearward
To turn the mower while driving rearward, use the steering wheel to turn in the
direction you wish to travel.
1. To turn to the left while traveling in reverse, turn the steering wheel clockwise (to
the operator's right).
2. To turn to the right while traveling in reverse, turn the steering wheel
counterclockwise (to the operator's left).
3. The greater the distance the steering wheel is turned, the sharper the mower
will turn.
4. To execute a "pivot turn," move the steering wheel so that the inside wheel is
angled at approximately 88° and the turn side tire will not rotate.
NOTE: Making a "pivot turn" on grass will greatly increase the potential for
defacement of the turf as well as potential damages to the traction surface and
the tire.
Executing a Zero Turn
1. A zero turn maneuver can be executed while the machine is moving in the
forward or reverse directions if the steering wheel is turned completely in the
one direction.
2. To turn clockwise when going forward, turn the steering wheel clockwise and
depress the forward drive pedal. Release the pedal and the machine should stop
turning. If the reverse drive pedal is depressed, the turn will be counterclockwise.
3. To turn counterclockwise when going forward turn the steering wheel
counterclockwise and depress the forward drive pedal. Release the pedal and the
machine should stop turning. If the reverse drive pedal is depressed, the turn will
be clockwise.
Stopping the Mower
1. Allow the forward and reverse drive pedals to return to the neutral position to
stop the motion of the mower.
2. Push the PTO knob downward to the disengaged position.
3. Use the deck lift pedal to raise the deck to its highest position.
4. If dismounting the machine, allow the drive pedals to return to the neutral
position, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove
the key from the switch.
Do not leave the seat of the mower without disengaging the PTO, moving
drive pedals to the neutral position engaging the parking brake. If leaving
the mower unattended, turn the ignition key OFF and remove.
Driving on Slopes
Refer to the Slope Gauge to help determine slopes where you may operate safely.
Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 20° (35%). The machine
could overturn and cause serious injury.
1. Always drive across slopes, never up and down.
WARNING
WARNING
OPERATION
2. Avoid turning downhill if possible. Start at the bottom of a slope and work
upward. Always slow down before turning.
3. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill.
Operating the PTO knob
Operate the PTO knob as follows:
1. Move the throttle control lever (if equipped) to approximately the mid-
throttle position.
2. Pull the PTO knob switch upward to the ENGAGED position.
3. Advance the throttle control lever to the operating speed (full engine speed).
The operator must remain in the mower seat at all times. If the operator should leave
the seat without turning off the power take-off switch, the mower's engine will
shut off.
Using the Mower Deck
Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire, or
other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades.
NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear
and possible failure of the "V" belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck
or move to a non-grassy area before engaging the mower deck.
1. Use the deck lift pedal (a) to raise the deck to its highest position, place the clevis
pin (b) attached to the mower into the desired index hole on the deck height
index, then slowly release the deck lift pedal (a) (Figure 25).
2. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and
work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
3. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed.
4. Engage the PTO knob and move the throttle control to the FAST
5. Remove the clevis pin, raise the deck to the highest (transport) position, place the
clevis pin in the desired position and secure with the clevis pin. Lower the mower
deck to the desired height setting.
6. Slowly push the forward drive pedal forward to move the mower forward, and
keep the mower headed directly toward the alignment point.
NOTE: The speed of the mower will affect cut quality of the lawn. Mowing at full
speed will adversely affect a high quality cut lawn. Control the ground speed with
the drive pedals.
7. When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down or stop before turning. A
U-turn is recommended unless a pivot or zero turn is required.
8. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and overlap approximately 3".
9. Direct the mower on each subsequent strip to align with a previously cut strip.
21
WARNING
b
a
Figure 25
position.