Use and Care Manual

ManualsBrandsJohn Deere ManualsOutdoorsZ235 42 in. 20-HP Hydrostatic Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Operating - 23

OPERATING

Engaging Mower

1. Adjust mower to desired cutting height.

2. Start engine.

3. Release park brake.

4. Move both motion control levers to the neutral position.

5. Set throttle lever to the RUN position.

NOTE: For smoother engagement, deck can be engaged at transport

position and then lowered to desired cut height.

6. Pull mower engagement switch up to engage mower.

NOTE: The travel speed and turn rate will vary with the amount that

the control levers are moved.

7. Push motion control levers forward slowly. Mow at a safe travel speed.

Stopping the Engine

1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.

2. Push the mower engagement switch down to disengage mower.

3. Move the motion control levers to the start/shutdown position.

4. Lock park brake.

5. Move throttle lever to the shutdown position.

6. Allow the engine to cool down for 20 seconds.

7. Turn ignition key to STOP (off) position.

8. Remove key.

Moving Machine by Hand

When the machine needs to be moved without starting the engine, use the

bypass valves:

MX50268, MX50268a

1. Push bypass control rods (A) forward and into detent slot (B) to engage

bypass valve.

2. Release park brake.

3. Push machine to desired location and lock park brake.

NOTE: The bypass control rods should be disengaged before

starting and operating the machine.

MX50268

4. Move both bypass control rods from their detent slot and push the rods

back to the disengaged position (C).

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clear mowing area of all bystanders

when operating this machine. Thrown objects could cause serious

injury or death.

Keep hands and feet away from blades and discharge opening.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may

attempt to move or operate an unattended machine.

Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the

machine unattended.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! When the bypass valve is open, the

machine will have unrestricted motion.

• Do not open the bypass valve when the machine is stopped

on an incline to prevent it from going downhill out of control.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Transmission damage may occur if

the machine is towed or moved incorrectly:

• Move machine by hand only.

• Do not use another vehicle to move machine.

• Do not tow machine.