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place the steering control levers in the park brake position
immediately.
DANGER: When moving in the rearward direction
push forward gently on steering control levers and
avoid sudden movement. 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.
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 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 steering
control lever and finish the turn. (Fig. 3-8)
WARNING: Always be aware of what is behind the
machine before backing up. Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing up.
IMPORTANT: Rapid movement of steering control levers
is not recommended as damage to the hydraulic system compo-
nents may occur.
To increase speed, increase steering control lever’s distance
from neutral. The farther forward steering control levers are
from neutral, the faster the machine will travel forward. The
farther back steering control levers are from neutral, the faster
the machine will go in reverse.
Operating suggestions
DANGER: Prior to operating the mower the operator
should be thoroughly familiar with the proper use and
operation of the equipment, should read the manual
completely and thoroughly, and should have attempted
slow moving maneuvers to become familiar with the
operation of the equipment before attempting normal
speed operation. An inexperienced operator should not
mow on slopes or on uneven terrain.
WARNING: If you lose steering control while operat-
ing the machine, place the steering control levers in
the park brake position immediately. Inspect the
machine and involve your BigDog™ Mowers dealer
to resolve the problem before continuing to operate.
WARNING: The unit’s steering control levers are
very responsive: Easy does it! For smooth operation,
move lever slowly, avoid sudden movement. Skill and
ease of operation come with practice and experience.
The machine can spin very rapidly. Use caution when
making turns and slow down before making sharp
turns.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer and
lose control. Slow-moving practice maneuvers are
recommended to become familiar with these characteristics
before attempting normal speed operation.
WARNING: Sharp depressions or raised obstacles
(such as gutters or curbs) should not be directly
approached at high speed in an attempt to “jump”
them as the operator could be thrown from the equip-
ment. Approach at a slow speed and angle one drive
wheel at the obstruction. Continue at an angle until the
wheel clears and then pivot the opposite wheel around.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling either
forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel can
FRONT OF MOWER FACES THIS DIRECTION
Fig. 3-7
NN
FORWARD TRAVEL ZERO RADIUS
TURN
FORWARD TRAVEL
RIGHT TURN
REVERSE TRAVEL
RIGHT TURN
REVERSE TRAVEL
N = NEUTRAL POSITION
Direction of arrows indicate direction of mower movement