Country Clipper CHALLENGER D510, Product Manual, Page: 20 / 96

4.7
Blade Engagement
4.5 The Blade Engagement Switch is a two position switch: Pull up to engage the Electric Clutch that drives
the deck blades, Push down to disengage the Electric Clutch. To maximize the life of the Electric Clutch
follow these guidelines:
4.5.1 Only engage the clutch with the throttle approximately 2/3 to full throttle and no load on the
deck blades. Allow the blades to come up to speed and move the throttle lever to full throttle
prior to cutting grass. Avoid engaging the clutch when the deck is under heavy load (ex. tall grass,
deck is plugged) Excessive loading can cause the belt(s) and/or Electric Clutch to slip, resulting in
premature wear or possible damage.
4.5.2 Disengage the Electric Clutch only when the throttle is set at less than ½ throttle. Never disengage
the clutch with the engine running at full throttle. Disengaging the clutch at a higher rpm could
reduce the life of the clutch.
Mowing Recommendations
4.6 Prior to operating the mower, make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the proper use and operation
of the equipment. The operator should read this manual completely and attempt slow moving
maneuvering to become familiar with the operation of the mower before attempting normal speed
operation.
4.6.1 Oversteering… Inexperienced operators may tend to oversteer and lose control. Practice steering
maneuvers on a flat open area at low speed (Engine at ½ throttle or less) to become familiar with
the steering characteristics of the mower before attempting full throttle operation.
4.6.2 Turning on Turf… Avoid turf damage by keeping both wheels rolling either forward or reverse
when turning. Turning or pivoting on one stopped wheel can damage turf, especially if the ground
is soft due to excess moisture.
4.6.3 Mower Performance… Your mower is designed for optimal performance when the engine is set at
full throttle (Full RPM). The engine rpm directly controls the blade tip and drive wheel speeds. The
best cut quality is normally achieved at the highest blade tip speed. Additionally, this gives
maximum power to the drive wheels when needed. The drive control lever(s) should be used to
control travel speed rather than engine rpm.
NEVER OPERATE THE MACHINE WITHOUT THE DISCHARGE CHUTE, GRASS CATCHER, OR
OTHER SAFETY DEVICES IN PLACE AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. NEVER DIRECT MOWER
DISCHARGE TOWARD PEOPLE, ANIMALS OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS.
Danger
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS OR UNDER THE MACHINE. KEEP
CLEAR OF THE DECK DISCHARGE AREA AND/OR BLADES WHILE OPERATING. DISENGAGE
BLADES AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IF ANYONE ENTERS THE AREA.
Danger
Before initial use, the blade engagement clutch must be broken-in as follows: With engine at
full RPM, engage deck until mower blades come to full speed and then disengage until mower
blades come to a complete stop. Repeat 10 times to seat clutch properly.
Important
Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off the engine and wait for all rotating parts to stop
prior to cleaning, inspecting, servicing, removing grass catcher, and/or unclogging the
discharge chute.
Warning