SECTION III
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3-1 General Safety
Only qualified people familiar with this operator’s manual
and the mower’s operator’s manual should operate this
machine.
3-2 Operation & Tips On Mowing
A. Perform BEFORE EACH USE maintenance list in
paragraph 4-1.
B. Start the engine/blower/blade assembly.
B. Start mower.
C. With the mower at high idle speed, engage the mower
deck.
D. Proceed to operate the control levers of the mower.
NOTE:
If the collection system does not appear to be
collecting the grass clippings; disengage the deck,
and blower, engage the parking brake and turn the
mower off. Check the upper hose, lower hose, top
screen and boot for clogs.
To obtain the maximum effectiveness from your
collection system the tips listed below should be
followed:
* Watch your speed- Normal conditions will allow a
speed of up to approximately 5 mph, but thick, heavy
damp conditions will require reduced ground speed.
* Mow with sharp blades- A sharp blade cuts cleaner.
* Wet grass and leaves will decrease effectiveness and
will increase horsepower requirements.
* Mow at higher cutting heights- Remove and mulch no
more than 2” of grass length with each mowing.
(Experts recommend not cutting off more than 1/3 of
the grass blade length at any given time.)
* Mow twice, at different height settings, (high, then low),
if grass is extra tall.
* Remember that horsepower requirements will vary with
the mowing conditions such as type and height of turf
grass, moisture content, amount of leaves, whether the
terrain is flat or sloped, etc.
3-3 Unloading The Collection System
A. Stop the forward movement of the mower.
B. Disengage the mower deck.
C. Using the throttle cable slow the engine down to idle.
D. Engage the parking brake.
18
E. Once the parking brake has been engaged, then and
only then, walk behind the mower and check the
collection bags by lifting the plastic hood. Load in
bags should not exceed the height of the installed
bag.
F. To release bags from frame, lift bag ring from tab on
bagger frame, slide bag out and turn bags over to
deposit clippings.
G. Follow steps on page 17 to re-attach bags back to the
bagger.
NOTE
:
Do not allow collection bags to become over-
filled as potential damage may occur to your
equipment. Also, be sure to clean the hood screen as
needed.
SECTION IV
MAINTENANCE
4-1 Maintenance Checklist
Before each use:
1. Check blades and spindles to be sure that no foreign
objects, such as wire or steel strapping bands, are
wrapped around them.
2. Inspect blades for wear. Replace if necessary. If it is
necessary to sharpen the blades, remove the blades
from the spindles before sharpening. DO NOT
sharpen blades while still attached to the mower.
3. Make sure all shields are in place and in good
condition. Repair or replace any missing or damaged
shields.
4. Listen for abnormal sounds, which might indicate
loose parts, damaged bearings, or other damage.
Correct any deficiency before continuing operation.
5. Check for wear or deterioration of the upper or lower
hoses. If there are any portions of the hose that have
been torn or worn through, replace with genuine
PECO parts.
After Each Use:
1. Clean all debris from machine especially from the
container, and off of safety decals. Replace any
missing or illegible decals.
2. Clean all debris from the box screen.
3. Inspect unit for worn or damaged components. Repair
or replace before the next use. Any replacement
component installed during repair shall include the
components current safety decal specified by the
manufacturers to be affixed to the component.
