User Guide

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.
WARNING: The unit’s control levers are very
responsive: Easy does it! For smooth operation,
move lever slowly, avoid sudden movement.
Skill and ease of operation come with practice
and experience.
WARNING: Children or bystanders may be
injured if they move or attempt to operate the
tractor while it is unattended. Always disengage
deck clutch, place control levers in park brake
position, stop tractor engine, and remove ignition
key when leaving operator’s seat.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to
oversteer and lose control. Slow-moving practice
maneuvers are recommended to become familiar with these
characteristics before attempting normal speed operation.
WARNING: Sharp depressions or raised
obstacles (such as gutters or curbs) should not be
directly approached at high speed in an attempt
to “jump” them as the operator could be thrown
from the equipment. Approach at a slow speed
and angle one drive wheel at the obstruction.
Continue at an angle until the wheel clears and
then pivot the opposite wheel around.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling
either forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel
can damage turf. This is especially important when
mowing.
Tractor performance is maximum when the throttle is set
at full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels
and deck when needed. Use the control levers to control
ground speed rather than engine rpm.
The wheel and body weights are intended to improve
traction when operating on slopes.
WARNING: Do not operate the equipment
while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers,
shorts or any type of loose fitting clothing.
Always wear long pants, safety glasses and
safety shoes when operating this machine.
Keep blades sharp. Many professional mowing
companies have additional sets of blades and change blades
twice a day: once in the morning and again at noon. Many
problems with incorrect cutting patterns are due to dull
blades or blades which have been sharpened incorrectly.
Information on sharpening blades is listed in this manual’s
maintenance section. In addition, most communities have
397463 1/20/05
3-4
FRONT OF TRACTOR FACES THIS DIRECTION
Figure 3-8
FORWARD TRAVEL PIVOT TURN REVERSE TRAVEL
RIGHT TURN
REVERSE TRAVEL
NN
FORWARD TRAVEL
RIGHT TURN
N = Neutral Position
Direction of arrows indicate direction of tractor movement.