17
The steering levers control speed, motion and direc-
tion of the machine. The steering levers have two
positions: (1) Neutral Lock, where the lever(s) are
swung completely outward and cannot be moved
fore and aft; (2) Operating, where the lever(s) are
swung in and can be moved fore and aft.
Neutral Lock Position:
n Forward and reverse movement of the mo-
tion control levers is prevented when
levers are in the swung out (neutral lock)
position. Machine should not move with
the steering levers in the swung out (neutral
lock) position and the park brake re-
leased. If machine does move, see
“Neutral Adjustment” section page 28-29.
n Steering levers must be in the swung out
(neutral lock) position to start the engine.
n Steering levers must be in the swung out
(neutral lock) position to safely enter and
exit the operator seat.
n Operator can exit mower with the engine
running when the steering levers are in the
swung out (neutral lock) position, PTO
switch is disengaged, and the park brake is
engaged.
Operating Position:
n Machine speed, motion and direction can be
controlled when the engine is running, park
brake is released, and steering levers are in
the swung in (operating) position.
Neutral
n When the steering levers are swung in and
centered fore and aft, they are in operating
(neutral). In operating (neutral), the hydro-
static pumps do not deliver fluid to the wheel
motors.
Forward and Reverse Motion:
n Pushing both levers forward at the same time
will move the machine forward.
n Pulling both levers to the rear at the same time
will move the machine in reverse.
n The further forward or rearward the steering
levers are moved, the faster the machine will
move in that direction.
Turning:
n While moving forward, turn gently right by
pushing the left lever further forward than the
right.
n While moving forward, turn gently left by
pushing the right lever further forward than
the left.
n Make a sharp turn right by pushing the left le-
ver forward and pulling the right lever
rearward at the same time.
n Make a sharp turn left by pushing the right le-
ver forward and pulling the left lever rearward
at the same time.
n DO NOT turn the machine by leaving one le-
ver in neutral and moving the other lever.
This will cause damage to the turf under the
tire that is not rotating.
Stopping:
n To stop motion, move both steering levers
back to neutral. Machine is equipped with
springs to automatically return both levers to
neutral. If levers do not automatically return
to neutral, see your authorized Grasshopper
dealer for adjustment.
If you become confused during
operation, release both steering levers.
They will automatically return to the
centered neutral position and the
machine will stop.
IMPORTANT