Harold Newcomb of Pryor, OK, created this Homemade Zero Turn Foot-Control System-dubbed the ErgoMower-which is basically a conversion kit that utilizes the foot pedals to control the mower, thus reducing strain on the operator's shoulders, arms, and back. With standard zero turn levers, one is constantly pulled forward, which leverages the body against the footrests. With Newcomb's ErgoMower system, pressing against the foot pedals pushes one back into the seat, essentially eliminating the leveraging stress. Each pedal rotates on a steel rod connected by other rods to the drive units on either side of the mower. Pushing down the toe portion controls forward movement, pushing down the heel portion controls reverse, and pushing down farther either way controls speed (just as with hand levers). The system's short hand levers located by the operator's leg have an armrest design . To activate forward gear, he pushes down on the hand rest at the front of the short lever; whereas to activate the reverse gear, he lifts the arm up or press down with forearm or elbow on the rear of the short lever. Newcomb's conversion kit is reportedly adaptable to most any zero turn makes/models.