Troy-Bilt RZT MUSTANG ZT50 - Manual (Page 17)

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5 — O
peratiOn
Practice Operation (Initial Use)
Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional
type riding tractor. Although and because a zero turn tractor is
more maneuverable, getting used to operating the control levers
takes some practice.
We strongly recommend that you locate a reasonably large,
level and open “practice area” where there are no obstructions,
pedestrians, or animals. You should practice operating the
tractor for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area.
When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be
engaged. While practicing, operate the tractor at approximately
1⁄2-3⁄4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and
reverse.
Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions
in the following section “Driving the Tractor.” Practice until you
are confident that you can safely operate the tractor.
Driving the Tractor
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfortable 1.
position that allows you to operate the controls. See seat
adjustment in the Maintenance & Adjustments section.
Release the parking brake.
2.
Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the 3.
neutral position. Refer to Figure 5-2.
NOTE: If the control levers are not even in the neutral position,
refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions to adjust the
levers so that they are even.
Move the throttle/choke control lever forward to the full 4.
throttle position (3300-3500 RPM). NOTE: Although the
tractor’s engine is designed to run at full throttle, when
performing a practice session the tractor must be operated
at less than full throttle (approximately 2500-3000 RPM).
This only applies to practice.
WARNING! Always maintain a firm grip on the
control levers. DO NOT release the control levers to
slow or stop the tractor; move levers to neutral
position using your hands.
To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective drive 5.
control levers with your right and left hands and continue
with Driving the Tractor Forward below.
Driving the Tractor Forward
WARNING! Keep all movement of the drive control
levers slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the
control levers can affect the stability of the tractor
and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may
result in serious injury or death to the operator.
Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers forward. 1.
The tractor will start to move forward. See Fig. 5-3.
As the control levers are pushed farther forward the speed 2.
of the tractor will increase.
To slow the tractor move the controls lever rearward to
3.
attain the desired speed, or move the levers to the neutral
position to stop the tractor.
WARNING! Always maintain your grasp on the
drive control levers. Do not release the levers to slow
the tractor or to return to neutral.
Turning the Tractor While Driving Forward
WARNING! When reversing the direction of travel,
we recommend performing gradual ‘U’ turns where
possible. Sharper turns increase the possibility of turf
defacement, and could affect control of the tractor.
ALWAYS slow the tractor before making sharp turns.
Control Lever Moved
Inward and in Neutral
Figure 5-2
Driving Forward
Neutral
Position
Faster
Slower
Figure 5-3