Using the Motion Control Levers

Avoid injury! Learn use of the motion control levers and practice at half throttle until becoming proficient and comfortable with the operation of the machine.

Do not move motion control levers from forward to reverse or reverse to forward position rapidly. Sudden direction changes could cause loss of control or damage the machine.

Before using the machine, become familiar with the motion control levers and how they respond. It is essential to know how the machine accelerates, steers and stops.

The functions of the motion control levers are:

  • Dual function neutral position.
  • Steering.
  • Acceleration.
  • Braking.

Start/shutdown Position

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  • Motion control levers must be in the start/shutdown position (A) and the park brake (B) locked to start the engine.
  • Forward and reverse movement of the motion control levers is prevented when levers are moved to the start/shutdown position.
  • Operator can exit mower with the engine running when the mower engagement switch is disengaged, the motion control levers are in the start/shutdown position and the park brake is locked.
  • Motion control levers must be in the start/shutdown position to safely enter and exit the operator seat.

Neutral Position

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  • Machine speed, motion, and direction can be controlled when the engine is running, motion control levers are in the neutral position (C), and the park brake (D) is unlocked.
  • To stop the machine for an emergency, move the motion control levers quickly back to the neutral position.

Forward and Reverse Travel

Straight forward and reverse travel takes practice. If the machine does not track in a straight line when going forward or reverse, the motion control lever tracking may need adjusting.

  1. Move throttle lever to the mow position.

  2. Unlock park brake.

  3. Move both motion control levers from the start/shutdown position inward to the neutral position.

  4. Move the motion control levers forward to begin forward travel.

  5. Move the motion control levers rearward to begin reverse travel.

  6. To stop travel, move motion control levers back to the neutral position.


Forward Travel

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1.Gradually move both motion control levers evenly forward (A) from neutral. To speed up, move the levers farther forward. To slow down smoothly, slowly move the levers toward neutral.


Reverse Travel

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1. Look down and behind, then gradually move both motion control levers evenly rearward (B) from neutral. To speed up, move the levers farther rearward. To slow down smoothly, slowly move the levers toward neutral.


Left Turn

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    To turn slightly to the left, push right control lever (C) further forward than the left control lever (D).


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    To turn sharply to the left, push right control lever (C) forward and pull left control lever (D) rearward at the same time.



Right Turn

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  1. To turn slightly to the right, push left control lever (D) further forward than the right control lever (C).

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    To turn sharply to the right, push left control lever (D) forward and pull right control lever (C) rearward at the same time.

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