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Section 4
4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL
DANGER
ROTATING BLADES
NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS INTO THE DISCHARGE
CHUTE FOR ANY REASON!
Shut off the engine and remove the key and
only then use a stick or similar object to remove
material if clogging has occurred.
1. If the discharge chute becomes clogged, shut off
the engine and remove the ignition key. Using a stick
or similar item, dislodge the clogged material. Then
resume normal mowing.
4.11 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE
STOPPED
To “free-wheel” or move the mower around without the
engine running, place the dump valve levers in the FREE-
WHEEL position. See Figure 4-2, page 12. Disengage the
parking brake and move the mower by hand. When the
machine is in the desired position, engage the parking
brake and place the dump valve levers in the DRIVE
position. The dump valve levers must be returned to the
DRIVE position to drive the mower.
4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING
1. Do not mow with dull blades. A dull blade will tear
grass, resulting in poor lawn appearance and
reduced mowing power.
WARNING
DO NOT operate without Discharge Chute,
Mulching Kit, or entire Grass Catcher properly
installed.
2. The discharge chute must not be removed and
must be kept in the lowest position to deflect grass
clippings and thrown objects downward. Direct the
side discharge away from sidewalks or streets to
minimize cleanup of clippings. When mowing close
to obstacles, direct the discharge away from the
obstacles to reduce the chance of property damage
by thrown objects.
3. Cut grass when it is dry and not too tall. Do not cut
grass too short (cut off 1/3 or less of existing grass
for best appearance). Mow frequently.
4. Keep mower and discharge chute clean.
5. When mowing wet or tall grass, mow the grass twice.
Raise the mower to the highest setting for the first
pass and then make a second pass to the desired
height.
6. Use a slow travel speed for trimming purposes.
7. Operate the engine at full throttle for best cutting.
Mowing with a lower RPM causes the mower to tear
the grass. The engine is designed to be operated at
full speed.
8. Use the alternate stripe pattern for best lawn
appearance. Vary the direction of the stripe each
time the grass is mowed to avoid wear patterns in
the grass.
4.13 ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
The mower deck can be adjusted from a height of 1 inch
to 4-1/2 inches at 1/4-inch intervals. To adjust the cutting
height:
WARNING
DO NOT adjust the cutting height with the mower
blades rotating. Disengage the power to the cutter
blades and then adjust cutting height.
1. Disengage the power to the cutter blades.
2. Push the cutting height adjustment foot pedal all
the way forward using your right foot until it locks in
place. See Figure 4-4.