Zero Turn Riding Mower Operator's Manual

13
1. Sit in the seat of the tractor facing forward with your feet straddling the control tower.
2. Push the choke lever to the full choke position (all the way toward the front of the tractor).
3. Push the throttle lever to the fast (rabbit) position (all the way toward the front of the tractor).
Note: Less choking may be required due to engine temperature variance. If the engine is warm, choking may not be
necessary.
4. Push the power take-off (PTO) switch to OFF.
5. Fully depress the brake pedal.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and release it as soon as the engine starts.
Note: Do not engage the starter for more than ten seconds at any one time.
7. Push the choke lever to the OFF position (rearward).
Note: In cold weather the starter motor may disengage prematurely. If this happens several times the engine may
become flooded.
STARTING A FLOODED ENGINE
If the starter disengages several times prematurely, the engine may become flooded. Use the following steps to start a
flooded engine:
1. Position the throttle to the idle position.
2. Put the choke lever in the OFF position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and at the same time, slowly move the choke lever to the ON
position until the engine starts and continues to run.
4. When the engine becomes warm, gradually put the choke lever in the OFF position.
Note: If the engine falters after putting the unit into motion, push the choke forward until the engine runs smoothly.
Then gradually pull the choke back as the engine warms.
DRIVING THE Z-SERIES
1. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a moment.
2. Set the throttle to the fastest position (full open).
3. Release the parking brake by depressing the parking brake pedal.
4. Gradually provide input by moving the drive handles in the desired direction.
Note: The Z-series speed, while driving, is based on the position of the drive handles. Push or pull the handles to full
for maximum speed and positions in between neutral and full for slower speeds.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Before operating the Z-series on any slope:
1. Use the Slope Gauge to determine if the slope is safe for operation.
2. If safe for operation, walk the slope and look for hazards such as rocks, mounds, ruts, stumps or other
irregularities.
3. After removing debris and identifying irregularities of the slope, back the Z-series up the steepest slope you intend
to work. If it cannot negotiate the slope in reverse, the slope is too steep.
Use the following guidelines when operating on a slope:
•DriveUP and DOWN slopes. Never drive across slopes.
• Avoid turns. If you must turn, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving on a slope. If you must stop, start slowly and smoothly to reduce the chance of
flipping the Z-series over backwards.