Poulan Pro 301ZX_966681701 LAWN TRACTOR - Manual (Page 23)

OPERATION
23
Read the Safety section and following pages, if you
are unfamiliar with the machine.
Training
Due to unique steering capabilities, zero turn mowers
are far more maneuverable than typical riding
mowers.
This section should be reviewed in its entirety prior to
attempting to move the mower under its own power.
When first operating the mower or until becoming
comfortable with controls, use a reduced throttle
speed and reduced ground speed. DO NOT move
control levers to the furthest forward or reverse
positions during initial operation.
First time users should become familiar with the
mower’s movement on a hard surface, such as
concrete or blacktop PRIOR to attempting to operate
on turf. Until the operator becomes comfortable with
the mower controls and zero turning capability, overly
aggressive maneuvers may damage turf.
Steering
To move forward and backward
The direction and speed of the mower’s movements
are effected by the movement of the control lever(s)
on each side of mower. The left control lever controls
the left wheel. The right control lever controls the right
wheel.
First time users should push the mower (see Moving
Machine By Hand in the
Operation section) to an
open, flat area without other people, vehicles or
obstacles nearby. To move the unit under its own
power, the operator must sit in the seat and start
the engine (see Before Starting in the Operation
section). Adjust the engine speed to idle, disengage
the parking brake but do not engage the blades at
this time. Rotate control levers inward. As long as
the control levers have not been moved forward or
backwards, the mower will not move.
Slowly move both control levers forward slightly. This
will allow mower to start moving forward in a straight
line. Pull the control levers back to the neutral position
and the mower should stop moving.
Pull back slightly on control levers, allowing the
mower to move backwards. Push the control levers
forward to the neutral position and mower should stop
moving.
To turn to the right
While moving in a forward direction, pull the right lever
back towards the neutral position while maintaining
the position of the left lever, this will slow the rotation
of the right wheel and cause the machine to turn in
that direction.
To turn to the left
While moving in a forward direction pull the left lever
back towards the neutral position while maintaining
the position of the right lever, this will slow the rotation
of the left wheel and cause the machine to turn in that
direction.
To zero turn
While moving in a forward direction, first pull both
control levers back until the mower stops or slows
dramatically.
Then by alternating one lever slightly to the forward
position and the other in the reverse position,
complete the turn.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When control levers are in the reverse position
they return to neutral when released. This may
cause the mower to suddenly stop.