How to check the safety interlock circuits on a zero-turn lawn tractor

Mowing the lawn with a zero-turn riding mower is a very easy and even fun thing to do, but always remember that personal safety is the number 1 priority.

The safety features built into the lawn tractor protect you from serious injury or even death. Do the checks listed below periodically to ensure all safety circuits work. Never operate the zero- turn mower if any of the safety circuits aren’t working correctly. 

• Pull the PTO switch upward to the engaged position. Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the start position. The engine shouldn’t start with the PTO switch engaged.

• Start the mower and move both control levers fully inward in the neutral position. Stand up slightly. When you remove your weight from the seat, the operator presence switch should shut the engine off.

• Start the tractor. With both control levers fully outward in the neutral/parking brake engaged position, engage the PTO. Stand up slightly. When you remove your weight from the seat, the operator presence switch should shut the engine off.

• Start the tractor and move the control levers inward to the neutral operating position. Engage the PTO and move both control levers slowly into the slow reverse position. The PTO should disengage and the mower deck should stop.