The first thing I would do is ask the dealer is, “when they deliver the unit, would they be willing to give your operators a demonstration of how to use the unit”. If you are picking it up, do they have a demo area for the demonstration? A good dealer will work with you. The one thing I tell new buyers, during a demo, is grab the sticks way inside so your thumbs are touching. By doing this you will know what your hands are doing as you watch ahead of you especially while turning, not watching your sticks. Second, I tell them is to never make a turn with one wheel stopped. This will cause ruts and be the biggest part of the learning curve. Third, sit down with a couple of the operators (all if possible) and type up a check list of things which must be done before and after each mowing. If all operators have input, they are more likely to take ownership and follow through on what to do. Don’t forget to include when normal maintenance needs to be done. Just a suggestion, (HAVE THE DEALER INSTALL AN HOUR METER ON THE UNIT IF IT DOESN’T HAVE ONE). That way it will be easier to know when maintenance needs to be done. I’ve found a logbook by the unit works best, but remember it needs to be used regularly. Your operators need to decide when and how to use it. Your dealer would probably help you put this together. Laminate this checklist and post it where it will be easily seen, over the fuel cans. Fourth, try to do your practice session if possible with all operators there at one time. That way they can bounce their experience off each other and learn from each other. Fifth, select one or two operators (no more than two) who are in charge of the unit, They are the member to go to if questions arise, repairs, working with the dealer, making sure fuel and lubes are available, etc. REMEMBER, there is a learning curve, some long some short. Mistakes happen and start slow. Don’t engage PTO until you are comfortable driving. I hope this is what you are looking for and Good Luck with the members who will disagree with the decision, I suggest you get at least one become an operator.
PS: At the bottom of your check list add the following statement. THE MORE WE FOLLOW THIS LIST, THE LONGER TO UNIT WILL LAST”
