Excel 2-Bag Catcher 42", Operator'S Manual

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119649 4-1 REV A
OPERATION
Vacuum Pickup and Collection
Follow normal mower start-up and operating procedures as
outlined in the mower operator’s manual. Whenever the deck
clutch switch is engaged there will be debris moving through the
catcher system.
The following list contains useful information when using the
catcher:
• When catching, use the left side of the mower for trim-
ming to prevent damage to the discharge chute and outlet
tube.
• Catching with the cutting height set too low may prevent
adequate air movement under the deck. This will cause
clogging of the catching system.
• During peak growing times it may be necessary to cut the
grass more often. If the grass is too long it may need to be
cut twice. First, mow the grass with the cutting height set
at a high setting to cut off the upper parts of the grass.
Next, lower the cutting height to the preferred finished
cut height and mow the area again. This will help reduce
clogging.
• To help reduce clogging mow by slightly overlapping the
previously cut area.
• Proceed to mow in the normal manner with the engine
throttle set to the “FAST” position. Control the mower’s
ground speed by using the steering control levers. In tall
and/or wet grass the high engine speed and slower
ground speed will help prevent clogging.
• When catching on slopes mow going downhill when pos-
sible. It is necessary to reduce ground speed when operat-
ing on a slope.
• If debris begins to blow out in front of the outlet tube or a
trail of debris is visible along the right edge of the cutting
path, either the catcher is full or the outlet tube is
clogged.
• As you mow visually check how full the bags are, when
the right bag looks full move the deck clutch switch to
the disengaged position and drive the machine to the
unloading area.
• It is best that the bags be unloaded before the discharge
chute and tube areas become clogged. If clogging occurs,
it will be necessary to clean the discharge chute and tube
areas of all material before starting to mow again.
• When the grass is wet it may be necessary to mow it first
in the side discharge mode. Then, after the clippings have
dried, go back over the area with the catcher installed and
pickup the clippings.
• To minimize clogging, reduce your mowing speed as
necessary or wait until there is less moisture in the grass.
WARNING
Remember, as the bags fill more weight is added to the
back of the mower. Any rapid movement of the control
levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the
mower that can cause serious injury.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when mowing on
slopes. Avoid uphill starts.
• Disengage the blades if you stop the mower when
going uphill and proceed to back off the slope
slowly.
• Maintain an even mowing speed when operating on
slopes.
• Do not stop on a slope.
• Never operate the mower with the catcher attached
on a slope without the front weights installed and
securely fastened.
WARNING
Make certain the engine is turned off, the steering control
levers are in the park brake position and the ignition key
is removed from the ignition switch. Be sure blades have
stopped before cleaning the discharge chute and transfer
tube areas.
WARNING
Never place hands or feet into the discharge area. The
mower blade is relatively close to the housing and will
cause severe injury. Use a probe to clean debris from the
catcher outlet tube.
WARNING
Never engage the mower deck unless the catcher transfer
tube is secured in place, with the elastic strap, on the out-
let tube and is inserted into the catcher lid. Figure 4-1