HUSTLER FasTrak 926501, Owner'S Manual, Page: 10 / 32

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 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 FasTrak is designed to operate at full
throttle. The throttle setting directly controls blade speed. The highest
blade speed generally gives best cut.
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 disperstion 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 regualr 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:
Never direct discharge of material from mower
deck towards bystanders.
WARNING: Never operate the mower deck with discharge
chute removed or in raised position.
WARNING: Always check area to be mown for rocks and other
debris before mowing.
Mower deck operation
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.
With the engine running, engage the deck clutch switch (Fig. 3-2) and
advance engine throttle to full rpm.
NOTE: Engaging the deck clutch at high engine rpm or when under
heavy load (in tall grass for example) can cause belts and/or electric clutch
to slip, resulting in premature wear or possible damage.
3-4 365270 Rev. 9/03