Operation; Training - Husqvarna Z 246 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.
Review this section fully before trying 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 BEFORE trying to operate
on turf. Until the operator becomes comfortable
with the mower controls and zero turn, overly
aggressive maneuvers can damage turf.
Steering
To move forward and rearward
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 lever controls the left wheel. The right lever
controls the right wheel.
First time users must push the mower (see
Moving Machine By Hand in the Operation
section) to an open, flat area without other
persons, 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. Pull
control levers inward. As long as the control levers
have not been moved forward or rearwards, the
mower will not move.
Slowly move the two 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 stop the mower
from moving.
Pull back slightly on control levers, allowing the
mower to move rearwards. Push the control
levers forward to the neutral position to stop the
mower from 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.
16
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 the
two 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.
WARNING! Make sure the work area is
free of stones and other objects that could be
thrown by the rotating blades.
Before Starting
1. Read the sections on Safety and Controls
before starting the machine.
2. Do 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 correct position.
The following conditions must be fulfilled before
the engine can be started:
• The blade switch must be pushed down into the
disengaged position.
• The two steering / park brake controls must be
in the locked (outer) position.
WARNING! The engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, which is a odorless,
colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use the
machine in closed spaces.
Starting the Engine
1. Sit on the seat.
2. Raise the mower deck to the highest position.