6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
The safe operation of the tractor and mower is
the responsibility of the operator. The operator
MUST be familiar with tractor and mower
controls, how they work and all Safety
Precautions BEFORE starting operation. The
MC72RD (887739) Mower is designed to be
used as a finish cut lawn mower.
IMPORTANT
To avoid damage to the mower, re-torque ALL
fastening spindle pulley retaining nuts after the
first hour of mowing operation.
CAUTION: INSPECT THE MOWING
BLADE RETAINER BOLTS AND SPINDLE
NUTS DAILY, OR WHENEVER A BLADE HAS
BEEN REMOVED. BLADE BOLT TORQUE 15
110 TO 130 ft. lbs. (150-177 Nm) AND PULLEY
NUT TORQUE IS 80 ft. lbs. (109 Nm). THESE
FASTENERS HAVE RIGHT HAND THREADS.
TIPS FOR EFFICIENT MOWING
Blade sharpness affects the appearance of the
mowed lawn. A dull or damaged blade will cause
grass to appear torn or beaten off rather than cut
cleanly. Mowing blades should be checked
regularly and kept sharp to ensure the best lawn
appearance.
Tractor engine speed while mowing should be at
maximum rate RPM. This will ensure proper
blade speed for effective cutting and discharge of
grass clippings.
Travel speed greatly effects mowing
performance. The operator must use his own
best judgment for the ground speed required for
encountered mowing conditions. Always use a
lower tractor transmission speed for slower
mowing, rather than lowering engine RPM.
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT ANYONE
BUT THEOPERATOR TO RIDE ON THE
TRACTOR OR MOWER. THERE IS NO SAFE
PLACE ON THIS EQUIPMENT FOR
PASSENGERS.
Mow often. Do not wait for the grass to get too
tall. Short grass clippings will disperse better and
deteriorate faster.
A CAUTION: CLEAR THE AREA OF
ALL VISIBLE DEBRIS BEFORE BEGINNING
MOWING OPERATIONS.
Mowing areas with tall grass or weeds may
require cutting at 4.72 inches (maximum) height
of cut. After mowing once, re-cut the entire area
with the mower reset to the desired final height of
cut.
When cutting along sidewalks, driveways, etc., it
is advisable to mow with the discharge directed
away from these areas for 2 or 3 passes. This
will keep grass clippings off of these areas.
WARNING:
ALWAYS KEEP MOWER DISCHARGE
DIRECTED AWAY FROM PEOPLE OR
ANIMALS WHICH COULD BE INJURED
AND AWAY FROM OBJECTS THAT COULD BE
DAMAGED BY DEBRIS THROWN BY THE
MOWER BLADES.
The gauge wheels on either side of the front of
the mowing deck serve as convenient mowing
guides. When mowing, position the mower so the
gauge wheel overlaps the edge of the strip
previously cut. This will assure full mowing
coverage.
CAUTION: MOW ONLY DURING
DAYLIGHT HOURS OR WHEN THE AREA IS
WELL LIT ARTIFICIALLY.
WARNING: TO AVOID THE
POSSIBILITY OF INJURY FROM FLYING
DEBRIS, NEVER OPERATE THE MOWER IN
THE RAISED TRANSPORT POSITION.
When transporting, always disengage the power
to the mower.
