Driving The Tractor - HUSTLER FasTrak 36 Manual

Slot
(viewed from the rear left underneath side)
Figure 3-5
Bypass valve rod shown in towing position
Bypass valve rod
(Right rod shown)
Figure 3-6
position, disengage the deck clutch, and throttle back to low idle for
a couple of minutes; then rotate ignition key counter-clockwise to
the OFF position. Remove the key from switch before leaving the
tractor.
Stopping the engine
Use the following procedure to shut off the engine after operating the
equipment.
1. Place the control levers in the park brake position
2. Disengage the deck clutch
3. Throttle back to low idle for a couple of minutes
4. Rotate ignition key counter-clockwise to the OFF position. Remove
the key from switch before leaving the tractor.
Moving tractor with stalled engine
If it becomes necessary to move the tractor when the engine is
inoperative, the integrated pump/motor units are equipped with bypass
valves. Before moving the unit, pull out on the bypass valve rods and slide
them into the slot to lock in position.
FasTrak 36/42 - Both bypass valve rods are located underneath the rear
of the tractor at the back of the integrated pump/motor transmissions. (Fig.
3-5)
FasTrak 44/52 - Both bypass valve rods are located at the rear of the
engine platform. (Fig. 3-6)
The control levers must be placed in the neutral position, to release the
park brakes, so that the tractor can be moved.
Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch to load on a
trailer for transporting.
When transporting on another vehicle, the tractor should be facing
FasTrak 36/42
Bypass valve rod
(Left rod shown)
Slot
FasTrak 44/52
forward and it must be secured.
IMPORTANT: Always make certain the two bypass valves are
returned to their operating position before running the tractor following
repairs.
WARNING: Allow engine exhaust manifold to cool before
engaging or disengaging the bypass valves. The bypass valve
rods are located close to the exhaust system.

Driving the tractor

DANGER: Never make sudden stops or reverse direction,
especially when maneuvering on a slope. The steering is
designed for sensitive response. Rapid movement of the
control levers in either direction could result in a reaction of
the tractor that can cause serious injury.
After starting engine, engage the control levers and steer as follows:
To go forward, push control levers forward an equal distance (Fig. 3-7).
To go in reverse, pull control levers rearward an equal distance (Fig. 3-
7).
To turn left, move the right control lever farther forward from neutral
than the left control lever.(Fig. 3-7)
To turn right, move the left control lever farther forward from neutral
than the right control lever. (Fig. 3-7)
To pivot turn, move one control lever forward and the other control
lever back of neutral. This will allow the drive wheels to counter-rotate.
(Fig. 3-7)
To stop or decrease speed, move control levers to neutral. When going
forward pull back gently on control levers. When going in reverse push
forward gently on control levers.
To make a three point turn to the right, move the left control lever
farther forward from neutral than the right control lever and start the turn.
Next, pull back on the control levers until they are past neutral and the
machine starts to go rearward. Pull right control lever farther rearward
from neutral than the left control lever until the rear of the machine has
pivoted around. Then, push the control levers forward until they are both
past neutral and the machine starts to go forward. Push the left control
lever farther forward from neutral than the right control lever and finish the
turn. (Fig. 3-9)
DANGER: When moving in the rearward direction push
forward gently on control levers and avoid sudden
movement. Any sudden movement could cause the front of
the mower to come off of the ground resulting in possible
loss of control.
IMPORTANT: Rapid movement of control levers is not recommended
as damage to the hydraulic system components may occur.
To increase speed, increase control lever's distance from neutral. The
farther forward control levers are from neutral, the faster tractor will travel
forward. The farther back control levers are from neutral, the faster tractor
will go in reverse.
Operating suggestions
DANGER: Prior to operating the tractor the operator should
be thoroughly familiar with the proper use and operation of
the equipment, should read the manual completely and
thoroughly, and should have attempted slow moving
maneuvers to become familiar with the operation of the
equipment before attempting normal speed operation. An
inexperienced operator should not mow on slopes or on
uneven terrain.
WARNING: If you lose steering control while operating
the machine, place the steering control levers in the park
brake position immediately. Inspect the machine and
involve your Hustler dealer to resolve the problem before
continuing to operate.
14
600643 02/06