Operation; Training - Husqvarna MZ 52LE Operator's Manual

OPERATION

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 must 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 must 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.
For first time use, 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 park 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 let the mower start moving forward in a
straight line. Pull the control levers back to the
neutral position and the mower will 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
will 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.
Before Starting
1. Read the sections on Safety and Controls
before starting the machine.
2. Perform the daily maintenance before
starting (see Maintenance Schedule in the
Maintenance section).
3. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel
tank.
4. Adjust the seat to the desired position.
5. Set the deck cutting height by inserting the lift
pin into the desired cut height.
The following conditions must be fulfilled before
the engine can be started:
• The blade switch must be pressed downward
into the disengaged position.
• The park brake must be up into the activated
position.
• Both steering controls must be in the locked
(outer) neutral position.
17