Use and Care Manual

13
OPERATION
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the booster battery’s negative
terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the frame of the
disabled tractor, as far from the battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting instructions previously
provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their
connection.
4. Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to
eliminate the need for jump starting.
Stopping the Engine
1. Disengage the PTO.
2. Move the RH and LH lapbar drive control levers fully outward into the Park
Brake engaged position.
3. Move the throttle control to midway between the slow and fast positions.
4. Turn the key to the STOP position and remove the key from the ignition module.
Note: Always remove the key from the ignition module to prevent accidental
starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.
Practice Operation (Initial Use)
Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional type riding tractor.
Although and because a zero turn tractor is more maneuverable, getting used to
operating the lapbar drive control levers takes some practice.
It is strongly recommended that you locate a reasonably large, level and open
“practice area” where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should
practice operating the tractor for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area. When performing
the practice session, the PTO should not be engaged. While practicing, operate the
tractor at approximately ⁄-⁄ throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and
reverse.
Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions in the following
section “Driving the Tractor.” Practice until you are confident that you can safely
operate the tractor.
Driving the Tractor
WARNING
Keep all movement of the lapbar drive control levers slow and smooth. Abrupt
movement of the control levers can affect the stability of the tractor and could
cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the
operator.
1. Adjust the operator’s seat to
the most comfortable position
that allows you to operate the
controls. See seat adjustment in the
Assembly & Set-Up section.
2. Move the RH and LH lapbar drive
control levers inward in the neutral
position which also disengages the
parking brake. Refer to Figure 18.
Note: Lapbar drive control levers
must be moved fully inward before
pushing forward or backward to
ensure brakes are fully disengaged.
Parking the tractor on uneven
terrain or a hill may cause the brakes
to bind and not release fully. In this case the tractor will not drive when the
lapbar drive control levers are moved. If this happens, move the lapbar drive
control lever in the opposite direction slightly to take the load off the brakes
and allow them to release fully.
Note: If the lap bar drive control levers are not even in the neutral position,
refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions to adjust the lapbar
drive control levers so that they are even.
3. Move the throttle to the full throttle position.
WARNING
Always maintain a firm grip on the control levers. DO NOT release the
control levers to slow or stop the tractor; move levers to neutral position
using your hands.
4. To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective lapbar drive control levers with your right
and left hands and continue with Driving the Tractor Forward in the next section.
Driving the Tractor Forward
1. Slowly and evenly move
both lapbar drive control
levers forward. The
tractor will start to move
forward. See Figure 19.
2. As the lapbar drive
control levers are
pushed farther forward
the speed of the tractor
will increase.
3. To slow the tractor move
the drive controls lever
rearward to attain the
desired speed, or move
the lapbar drive control
levers to the neutral
position to stop the
tractor.
Turning the Tractor While Driving Forward
WARNING
Sharp turns can affect control of the tractor. ALWAYS slow the tractor
before making sharp turns.
To turn the tractor while driving
forward, move the lapbar drive control
levers as necessary so that one drive
control lever is rearward of the other.
The tractor will turn in the direction of
the rearward drive control lever.
1. To turn to the left, move the left
drive control lever rearward of
the right drive control lever. See
Figure 20.
2. To turn to the right, move the
right drive control lever rearward
of the left lever. See Figure 21.
3. The greater the distance
between the two levers, the
sharper the tractor will turn.
4. To execute a “pivot turn,” move
the turn side drive control lever
to the neutral position, while
moving the other control lever
forward.
Note: Making a “pivot turn” on
grass will greatly increase the
potential for defacement of the
turf.
Control Levers Moved
Inward & in Neutral
Figure 18
Driving Forward
Faster
Slower
Neutral
Position
Figure 19
Forward Left Turn
Figure 20
Forward Right Turn
Figure 21