HUSTLER FasTrak SmoothTrak Steering, User Manual, Page: 121 / 424

608622CE 3-9 REV A
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Flex Forks
New Flex Forks
®
require a brief break-in period. Refer to the
Maintenance and Adjustments section of this manual for more
details.
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 disen -
gaged), 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 immedi
-
ately and contact your Hustler
®
Dealer.
Follow these procedures to maximize clutch life.
1. Engage the clutch only when the throttle is set at
approximately 2/3 throttle and there is no load on the
blades. After clutch engagement, advance the engine
throttle to full rpm.
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.
2. Disengage the clutch only when the throttle is set at
less than 1/2 throttle.
Never disengage the clutch with the engine running at
high rpm. Setting the throttle to less than 1/2 throttle
when disengaging the clutch will help extend clutch life.
Warranty will not be allowed for deck clutches that fail due
to improper engagement and disengagement practices.
Deck Cutting Height Adjustment
Deck cutting height is adjustable in 6.4 mm increments.
To adjust the cutting height, step on the deck lift pedal and
latch the transport lever in the deck transport position. Pull
the adjusting pin out of the hole that it is in and insert it into
the desired cutting height hole. Step on the deck lift pedal to
release the transport lever. Figure 3
- 13
When transporting the mower step on the deck lift pedal
and raise the deck to its highest position and latch the trans -
port lever in place.
Anti-Scalp Wheels
Anti-scalp wheels are standard on these mowers. These
wheels are designed to minimize scalping when mowing on
rough uneven terrain. Figure 3
- 14
The anti-scalp wheels can be installed in three positions.
With the wheel mounted in the bottom hole, the wheel is
located 50.8 mm below the mower blades. This setting is
preferred when mowing at cutting heights of 63.5 mm or
higher.
With the wheel mounted in the middle hole, the wheel is
located 38.1 mm below the mower blades. This setting is
preferred when mowing at cutting heights of 50.8 mm or
higher.
When the wheel is mounted in the top hole, it is located
25.4 mm below the mower blades. This is the acceptable set -
ting for mowing at cutting heights of 38.1 mm or higher.
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 the deck
housing. Fingers and toes can be cut off instantly.
Make sure that the area around and under the deck
is clear and that there are no bystanders in the
immediate area before proceeding.
DA
N
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AR
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A. Deck lift pedal
B. Transport lever
C. Adjusting pin
D. Cutting height hole
Figure 3 - 13
C
A
B
D