HUSTLER FasTrak 36 Manual Download Page 15

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Direct grass discharge to right,

away from unmown area. Select a

mowing pattern that directs grass discharge towards the outside, not
towards center, of mowing area. Generally, this means using a pattern
utilizing

left turns

because side discharge is to

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 mowing direction

to keep the grass growing straight and

better dispersion of the clippings.

Remember, grass grows at different rates

at different time of the

year. Mow more often in the early spring to maintain the same cutting
height. As the growth rate slows in mid summer, 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.

WARNING:

The unit’s control levers are very responsive:

Easy does it!

For smooth operation, move lever slowly,

avoid sudden movement. Skill and ease of operation come
with practice and experience. The machine can spin very
rapidly. Use caution when making turns and slow down
before making sharp turns.

Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer and lose

control. Slow-moving practice maneuvers are recommended to become
familiar with these characteristics before attempting normal speed
operation.

WARNING:

Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as

gutters or curbs) should not be directly approached at high
speed in an attempt to “jump” them as the operator could be
thrown from the equipment. Approach at a slow speed and
angle one drive wheel at the obstruction. Continue at an
angle until the wheel clears and then pivot the opposite wheel
around.

When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling either forward

or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel can damage turf. This is
especially important when mowing.

Tractor performance is maximum when the throttle is set at full rpm.

This gives maximum power to the drive wheels and deck when needed.
Use the control levers to control ground speed rather than engine rpm.

Keep blades sharp.

Many professional mowing companies 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 a

re due to dull blades

or blades which have been