17
Operation
Basic Driving
Figure 4.  Forward Travel
Forward
Travel
Figure 5.  Reverse Travel
Reverse
Travel
Smooth Travel
The ground speed levers  
of the zero turn rider are  
responsive.
The BEST method of       
handling the ground 
speed levers is in three 
steps — as shown in 
Figure 3.
FIRST place your hands   
onto the levers as 
shown.
SECOND, to go forward  
gradually push the levers  
forward with your palms.
THIRD, to speed up, 
move  the levers farther 
forward. To slow down 
smoothly, slowly move 
the levers toward neu-
tral.
Figure 3.  Move Ground 
Speed Levers Gradually
Forward Travel Practice
Gradually move both ground speed levers — evenly 
FORWARD from neutral. Slow down and repeat.
Straight forward travel takes practice. If necessary, top 
speed can be balance-adjusted — see Speed Balancing 
Adjustment section.
Reverse Travel Practice
LOOK DOWN & BEHIND, then gradually move both 
ground speed levers evenly BACK from neutral. Slow 
down and repeat.
Practice backing up for several minutes before attempt-
ing to do so near objects. The rider turns as sharply in 
reverse as when going forward, and backing up straight 
takes practice.
Zero Turn
Driving Practice
The ground speed levers of the zero turn rider are 
responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient 
control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning move-
ments will take some practice.
Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown 
and becoming familiar with how the unit accelerates, trav-
els, and steers — before you begin mowing — is abso-
lutely essential to getting the most out of the zero turn 
rider.
Locate a smooth, flat area of your lawn — one with 
plenty of room to maneuver. (Clear the area of objects, 
people and animals before you begin.) Operate the 
unit at mid-engine speed during this practice session 
(ALWAYS operate at full engine speed when mowing), 
and turn slowly to prevent tire slippage and damage to 
your lawn.
We suggest you begin with the Smooth Travel proce-
dure to the right, and then advance through the forward, 
reverse, and turning maneuvers.