Owners manual

19
OPERATION
Executing a “Y” Maneuver
For low traction conditions, follow these procedures for zero turns (the
“Y-maneuver”):
To turn clockwise (front of machine moves toward RIGHT) when traveling
FORWARD:
1. Come to a stop,
2. Then slowly move both lap bars rearward (no more than ½ maximum
reverse speed) to initiate REVERSE travel,
3. Then slowly move the LEFT lap bar forward while maintaining the RIGHT lap bar in
the rearward travel position.
4. To stop the turn and re-initiate FORWARD travel, slowly move the RIGHT lap bar
from the REVERSE travel position to a FORWARD travel position equal to that of
the LEFT lap bar.
5. For counterclockwise turns, reverse the above procedure.
Stopping the Tractor
1. Move both drive control levers to the neutral position to stop the motion of
the tractor.
2. Push the PTO knob downward to the disengaged position.
3. Use the deck lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position by depressing the
button at the end of the handle and pulling upwards. Make sure the latch engages
on the pin. See Figure 20.
Figure 20
4. If dismounting the tractor, move the drive control handles fully outward in
the neutral position engaging the parking brake, move the throttle control
lever to the mid-throttle or SLOW position, turn the ignition switch to
STOP and remove the key from the switch.
WARNING
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO, moving
drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position engaging the
parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, turn the ignition key off
and remove key.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation Section 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-⁄ feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
1. 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.
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
Operate the PTO clutch as follows:
NOTE: During your units initial break-in period, in order to engage the PTO and
avoid engine stall, allow the engine to warm before engaging the PTO. Break-In
period varies depending on your engine.
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST position.
2. Pull the PTO knob upward to the ENGAGED position.
3. The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operator
should leave the seat without disengaging the PTO, the tractor’s engine will
shut off.
4. 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
lever(s) is moved to the neutral or forward position.
Mowing
WARNING
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. Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work
upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
2. On the first pass pick a point on the opposite side of the area to be mowed.
3. Engage the PTO and move the throttle control to the FAST position.
4. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using the deck lift
handle.
5. Slowly and evenly push the RH and LH drive control levers forward to
move the tractor forward, and keep the tractor headed directly toward the
alignment point.
NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the mower cut. Mowing
at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality. Control the ground speed
with the control levers.