Use and Care Guide

REV G 3-6 604220
Moving Mower With Stalled Engine
If it becomes necessary to move the mower when the engine
is inoperative, the transaxles are equipped with bypass valves.
Before moving the unit, pull out on the bypass valve rod until
the notch in the rod hooks over the edge of the slot. This places
the bypass valves in the disengaged position. The valve rod is
located per Figure 3-5.
The steering control levers must be placed in the neutral
position, to release the park brakes, so that the mower can be
moved.
Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch to
load on a trailer for transporting.
When transporting on another vehicle, the mower should be
facing forward and it must be secured.
IMPORTANT: Always make certain the two bypass valves
are returned to their operating position before running the
mower following repairs.
Mower Operation
This mower is equipped with the SmoothTrak™ steering
system. The following provides you with detailed information
on how to operate the mower efficiently.
Driving the mower
After starting engine, engage the steering control levers and
steer as follows:
To go forward, push steering control levers forward an equal
distance (Figure 3-6).
To go in reverse, pull steering control levers rearward an
equal distance (Figure 3-6).
To turn left, move the right steering control lever farther
forward from neutral than the left steering control lever.
To turn right, move the left steering control lever farther
forward from neutral than the right steering control lever.
(Figure 3-6)
Zero radius turn, move one steering control lever forward
and the other steering control lever back of neutral. This will
allow the drive wheels to counter-rotate. (Figure 3-6)
To stop or decrease speed, move steering control levers to
neutral. When going forward pull back gently on steering
control levers. When going in reverse push forward gently on
steering control levers.
For emergency stop, when traveling forward or rearward,
place the steering control levers in the park brake position
immediately.
To make a three point turn to the right, move the left
steering control lever farther forward from neutral than the right
steering control lever and start the turn. Next, pull back on the
steering control levers until they are past neutral and the
machine starts to go rearward. Pull the right steering control
lever farther rearward from neutral than the left steering control
lever until the rear of the machine has pivoted around. Then,
push the steering control levers forward until they are both past
neutral and the machine starts to go forward. Push the left
steering control lever farther forward from neutral than the right
Figure 3-5
WARNING
Allow engine exhaust manifold to cool before engaging
or disengaging the bypass valves. The bypass valve rods
are located close to the exhaust system.
Bypass valve rod
(Left rod shown)
Bypass valve rod shown in operating position
Slot
DANGER
Never make sudden stops or reverse direction, especially
when maneuvering on a slope. The steering is designed
for sensitive response. Rapid movement of the control
levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the
mower that can cause serious injury.
DANGER
When moving in the rearward direction push forward
gently on steering control levers and avoid sudden move-
ment. Any sudden movement could cause the front of the
mower to come off of the ground resulting in possible
loss of control, causing serious injury or death.