BBM MZ SERIES ZERO-TURN MOWER. Manual - part 2

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2.24 
2.25 

Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects that tall grass can obscure. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.

2.26  Choose a low ground speed when operating the machine on a slope.
2.27  Do not mow on wet grass, the tires may lose traction.
2.28  Do not attempt to coast down a slope in the neutral position.
2.29  Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly, straight 

down the slope.

2.30  Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Sudden changes in speed or direction could cause the machine to roll over.
2.31  Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments: they can affect the stability of the machine. 

Do not use on steep slopes.

2.32  Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
2.33  Do not mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or 

the edge caves in. 

2.34  Be aware of what is located at the bottom of slopes. For example: rocks water, cliffs, and roadways.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the 
mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
2.35   Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other that the operator. 2.36   Maintain 
alertness and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
2.37   Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
2.38   Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere 

with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for 

another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.
2.39   Never allow children to operate the machine.
2.40   Never leave key in the ignition, especially around children.
2.41   Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view 

of a child.

SETTING DECK HEIGHT

2.22   If your machine is equipped with an actuator motor, raise the deck using the raise /lower switch. Refer to section 7 (Controls).        

When deck is raised, set desired height with the deck height control dial, then lower deck with the raise / lower switch.

2.23   If your machine is equipped with a foot pedal, press foot pedal to raise deck, select your desired deck height with the deck 

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all 
slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope, or you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

height dial, then slowly release foot pedal.

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7

SERVICE: 

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors 
are explosive.
2.47  Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and all other sources of ignition.
2.48  Use only an approved gasoline container.
2.49  Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
2.50  Allow engine to cool before refueling.
2.51  Never fuel the machine indoors.
2.52  Do not store machine near open flame or source of ignition, such as a water heater or furnace.
2.53  Remove gas powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such 

equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

2.54  Never fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the 

ground away from your vehicle before filling.

2.55  Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until the fueling is complete. Do not 

use a nozzle lock-open device.

2.56  If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
2.57  Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. Tank is full when level reaches bottom of fill tube.

GENERAL SERVICE

2.58  Never operate machine in a closed area where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
2.59  Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Never operate a poorly maintained machine.
2.60  Do not touch hot areas of the machine.
2.61  Never interfere with the intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device. Check their 

proper operation regularly.

TOWING

2.42  Tow only with a machine that has a hitch specifically designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch 

point.

2.43  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
2.44  Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
2.45  On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
2.46  Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

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2.71   Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel 

and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally weaken 

2.72   Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine. Understand service procedure before 

doing work.

SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM

Your Bad Boy mower is equipped with a safety interlock system. This system is designed to prevent serious injury or death to the 
operator and other people or property damage. The system consists of an operator presence switch in the seat, the parking brake, 
drive lever neutral position, the mower blade engagement switch, and the ignition switch.
These interlocks are vitally important and must be tested frequently. Following are instructions to test these very important safety 
precautions. 

Note: the operator must be seated properly on the machine during these tests and the engine should 

have been previously allowed to warm to operating temperature.
2.74  With the parking brake engaged, bring lever arms to their inward position Attempt to start the machine with the blade actuator in 

off position. 

The engine should not start.

2.75  On a level surface, disengage the parking brake and place lever arms to their outward position. Then, attempt to start the 

machine 

with the blade actuator in off position. The engine should not start.

2.76  Engage parking brake and leave lever arms in outward position. Put blade actuator in the on position, then attempt to start the 

machine. 

The engine should not start.

2.77  Next, start the engine as stated in the Mower Operation Section. Disengage parking brake and, Very Slowly, begin to rise from 

the seat. 

The engine should stop.

If any of these tests fail to produce the results indicated and the problem cannot be identified, contact your Bad Boy Mower 
dealer or the support contacts in the rear of this manual.

2.62  Keep the entire machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked 

debris. Failure to do so can affect the safety and functionality of the machine, as well as increase the danger of a fire due to 
contact with the hot surfaces of the machine.

2.63  Allow machine to cool before storing.
2.64  If you strike something with the mower, turn the mower and blades off, engage the parking brake, and inspect the machine for 

damage. Repair, if necessary, before resuming.

2.65  Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
2.66  Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, 

when necessary. 

2.67  Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves before servicing them. 
2.68  Check parking brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
2.69  Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
2.70  Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

or deform the wheel.

2.73   Mower deck, frame, and engine compartment should remain free of debris to prevent premature parts failures

 or fire hazards.

SECTION 3: 

MOWER OPERATION

Never operate the machine with faulty equipment. Always be alert of sudden changes in landscape, as 
the mower will react differently on slopes or embankments than it will on flat surfaces. Never operate 
the mower with the discharge chute open. Do not cross terrain, other than grass, with blades turning. 
This could cause damage to property or bystanders.

3.1  Place parking brake in up position 
3.2  Drive arms must be in the “open” position. While sitting on the machine, each arm is 

positioned away from the operator, to the right and left. Drive arms will lock into place and 
must be in this position to start machine.

3.3  Put PTO switch in the OFF position.
3.4  If your machine has been equipped with a ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) then you 

must fasten seatbelt.

3.5  If machine has not been started recently, engage the choke.
3.6  Make sure nothing is under or around machine.
3.7  Place key in ignition and turn.
3.8  Once machine is started, disengage the choke.
3.9  Increase RPM by sliding the throttle to fast position, toward the rabbit.
3.10  Owners must become familiar with the controls before operating a zero-turn radius vehicle.
3.11  Start slowly and build your skill level. Have ample practice before using the machine at full 

capabilities.

3.12  Be comfortable with machine before engaging blades. Know what each component controls 

before using machine.

3.13  Your mower will perform differently on an incline /decline. Be cautious, slow down, and do 

not make any sudden jerking movements with control arms. The machine could lose traction 
on a decline or tip backwards on an incline. 

3.14  Once you become comfortable with your Bad Boy Mower you will notice your overall mowing 

time will decrease. 

Avoid operating your mower on side hills of over 5 degrees,

inclines of over 10 degrees,

and declines of over 15 degrees.

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