Zero Turn Driving Practice - Snapper 285Z Operator's Manual

Operation
Zero Turn
Driving Practice
The ground speed levers of the zero turn rider are responsive,
and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the rider's
forward, reverse, and turning movements will take some
practice.
Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown and
becoming familiar with how the unit accelerates, travels, and
steers — before you begin mowing —is absolutely essential to
getting the most out of the zero turn rider.
Locate a smooth, flat area of your lawn — one with plenty of
room to maneuver. (Clear the area of objects, people and
animals before you begin.) Operate the unit at mid-engine
speed during this practice session (ALWAYS operate at full
engine speed when mowing), and turn slowly to prevent tire
slippage and damage to your lawn.
We suggest you begin with the Smooth Travel procedure to
the right, and then advance through the forward, reverse, and
turning maneuvers.
Basic Driving
Forward Travel Practice
Gradually move both ground speed levers — evenly FORWARD
from neutral. Slow down and repeat.
Straight forward travel takes practice. If necessary, top
speed can be balance-adjusted — see the Speed Balancing
Adjustment in the Adjustments section near the back of this
manual.
Forward
Travel
Figure 4. Forward Travel
16
Smooth Travel
The ground speed levers
of the zero turn rider are
responsive .
The BEST method of
handling the ground speed
levers is in three steps —
as shown in Figure 3.
FIRST place your hands
onto the levers as shown.
SECOND, to go forward
gradually push the levers
forward with your palms.
THIRD, to speed up, move
the levers farther forward.
To slow down smoothly,
slowly move the levers
toward neutral.
Reverse Travel Practice
LOOK DOWN & BEHIND, then gradually move both ground
speed levers evenly BACK from neutral. Slow down and repeat.
Practice backing up for several minutes before attempting to
do so near objects. The rider turns as sharply in reverse as
when going forward, and backing up straight takes practice.
Reverse
Travel
Figure 5. Reverse Travel
Figure 3. Move Ground Speed
Levers Gradually
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