Poulan P54ZX Owner Manual - Page 16

O P E R AT I O N 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. WARNING! Make sure the work area is free from 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. 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. 16