605046
3-9
REV A
have additional sets of blades and change blades twice a day:
once in the morning and again at noon.
Many problems
with
incorrect cutting patterns are
due to dull blades
or blades which
have been
sharpened incorrectly.
Information on sharpening
blades is listed in this manual’s maintenance section. In
addition, most communities have individuals or companies
which specialize in sharpening mower blades.
Blade sharpness
should be checked daily.
Use high blade speed.
Your mower is designed to operate at
full throttle. The throttle setting directly controls blade speed.
The highest blade speed generally gives the best cut.
Direct grass discharge to the right,
away from the unmowed
area. Select a mowing pattern that directs grass discharge
toward the outside, not toward the center, of the mowing area.
Generally, this means using a pattern utilizing
left turns
because side discharge is to the
right.
In any case, avoid
throwing grass discharge onto unmowed area because grass is
then mowed “twice”. Mowing twice puts an unnecessary load
on the unit and reduces mowing efficiency.
When mowing a lawn for the first time
cut grass slightly
longer than normal to avoid scalping uneven terrain. When
possible, it is best to use the cutting height that was used in the
past. When cutting grass taller than six inches, you may want to
mow the lawn twice to achieve a better quality of cut.
During normal mowing cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade.
Cutting more than that is not recommended unless grass
is sparse or it is the end of the mowing season.
Alternate the mowing direction
to keep the grass growing
straight and for better dispersion of the clippings.
Remember, grass grows at different rates
at different times
of the year. Mow more often in the early spring to maintain the
same cutting height. As the growth rate slows in midsummer,
mow less frequently. If you cannot mow at a regular interval,
mow at a high cutting height; then mow again two days later at a
lower cutting height.
Raise the cutting height of the mower
if the cutting width of
the mower is wider than the previous mower. This ensures that
uneven turf is not cut too short.
Raise the cutting height of the mower
if the grass if slightly
taller than normal or if it contains a high degree of moisture.
Then mow it again with the cutting height set lower.
If the machine’s forward motion
must be stopped while
mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn.
To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the blades
engaged.
Deck clutch operation
Before beginning operation, check to make sure the deck
clutch switch is engaging and disengaging the blades
properly.
To check the deck clutch switch:
1.
Start the engine and engage the deck clutch.
2.
With the deck clutch switch up (clutch engaged) and the
engine running, listen to confirm that the mower blades
are rotating.
3.
Now, push the deck clutch switch down (clutch
disengaged), and with the engine running, listen to
confirm that the blades have stopped rotating.
4.
If the mower blades continue to rotate with the deck
clutch switch down, discontinue operation immediately
and contact your BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer.
DANGER
Never work with blades while engine is running or deck
clutch switch is engaged (on). Always place deck clutch
switch in the disengaged position, place steering control
levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and
disconnect negative battery cable. Block up mower when
you must work under it. Wear gloves when handling
blades. Always check for blade damage if the mower
strikes a rock, branch or other foreign object during mow-
ing!
WARNING
Never direct the discharge of material from the mower
deck toward bystanders. Do not operate the mower with-
out either the discharge chute or the entire grass collec-
tion system in place. Figure 3-9
Figure 3-9
DANGER
Never attempt to make any adjustments to the mower
deck while the engine is running or with the deck drive
clutch engaged. Mower blades cannot be seen and are
located very close to deck housing. Fingers and toes can
be cut off instantly.
WARNING
Make sure that the area around and under the deck is clear
and that there are no bystanders in the immediate area
before proceeding.
Discharge
chute
NOTE: Discharge chute may
vary from this illustration
