Troy-Bilt Series RZT Manuel D’Utilisation

Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional 

type riding tractor. Although and because a zero turn tractor is 

more maneuverable, getting used to operating the control levers 

takes some practice.
It is strongly recommended that you locate a reasonably large, 

level and open “practice area” where there are no obstructions, 

pedestrians, or animals. You should practice operating the 

tractor for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area. 

When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be 

engaged. While practicing, operate the tractor at approximately 

1⁄2-3⁄4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and 

reverse.
Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions 

in the following section “Driving the Tractor.” Practice until you 

are confident that you can safely operate the tractor. 

Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed 

and sudden stops.

1. 

Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfortable 

position that allows you to operate the controls. See seat 

adjustment in the Assembly & Set-Up section.

2. 

Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the 

neutral position which also disengages the parking brake. 

Refer to Figure 5-2.

NOTE: Lap bars must be moved fully inward before pushing 

forward or backward to ensure brakes are fully disengaged. 

Parking the tractor on uneven terrain or a hill may cause the 

brakes to bind and not release fully. In this case the tractor 

will not drive when the lap bars are moved. If this happens, 

move the lap bar in the opposite direction slightly to take 

the load off the brakes and allow them to release fully.
NOTE: If the control levers are not even in the neutral 

position, refer to Maintenance & Adjustments for 

instructions to adjust the levers so that they are even.

3. 

Move the throttle control lever forward to the full throttle 

position.
NOTE: Although the tractor’s engine is designed to run at 

full throttle, when performing a practice session the tractor 

must be operated at less than full throttle. This only applies 

to practice.

Always maintain a firm grip on the 

control levers. DO NOT release the control levers to 

slow or stop the tractor; move levers to neutral 

position using your hands.

4. 

To drive the tractor, firmly grasp the respective drive 

control levers with your right and left hands and continue 

with Driving the Tractor Forward on the following page.

Keep all movement of the drive control 

levers slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the 

control levers can affect the stability of the tractor 

and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may 

result in serious injury or death to the operator.

1. 

Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers forward. 

The tractor will start to move forward. See Figure 5-3.

2. 

As the control levers are pushed farther forward the speed 

of the tractor will increase.

3. 

To slow the tractor move the controls lever rearward to 

attain the desired speed, or move the levers to the neutral 

position to stop the tractor.

Always maintain your grasp on the 

drive control levers. Do not release the levers to slow 

the tractor or to return to neutral.