Operating Tips
Tips for Bagging
Remembering the Size
Remember that the machine is longer and wider with
this attachment installed. By turning too sharply in
confined places you may damage the attachment.
Trimming
Always trim with the left side of the mower. Do not trim
with the right side of the mower because you could
damage the bagger chute and discharge tube.
Cutting Height
Do not set the mower cutting height too low because
long grass surrounding the mower can prevent air
from getting under the mower and entering the
bagging system. If not enough air gets under the
mower, the bagging system will plug.
Cutting Frequency
Cut the grass often, especially when it grows rapidly.
You will have to cut your grass twice if it gets
excessively long.
Cutting Technique
For best lawn appearance, be sure to slightly overlap
the mower into the previously cut area. This helps
reduce the load on the engine and reduces the chance
of plugging the chute and discharge tube.
Bagging Speed
Most often, you will bag with the mower throttle in the
F
AST
position and drive at a normal ground speed.
However, in extremely dry and dusty grass, you may
want to slightly reduce the throttle speed and increase
the ground speed of the mower. The bagging system
may plug if you drive too fast and the engine speed
gets too slow. On hills, it may be necessary to slow
the mower ground speed. This helps maintain the
engine speed and bagging efficiency. Mow downhill
whenever possible.
CAUTION
As the bagger fills, extra weight is added to
the back of the machine. If you stop and start
the machine suddenly on hills, you may lose
steering control or the machine may tip.
•
Do not start or stop suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Avoid uphill starts.
•
If you do stop the machine when going
uphill, disengage the blade control. Then
back down the hill using a slow speed.
•
Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed
changes on slopes.
•
Never operate the machine without the
bagger attachment and the front weights
still installed.
Bagging Long Grass
Excessively long grass is heavy and may not be
propelled completely into the grass bags. If this
happens, the discharge tube and chute may plug. To
avoid plugging the bagging system, mow the grass
at a high height of cut, then lower the mower to your
normal cutting height and repeat the bagging process.
Bagging Wet Grass
Always try to cut grass when it is dry because your
lawn will have a neat appearance. If you must cut wet
grass, use the conventional side discharge feature of
the mower. Several hours later, when the clippings
are dry, install the complete bagger attachment and
vacuum up the grass clippings.
Signs of Plugging
As you are bagging, a small amount of grass clippings
normally blow out the front of the mower. An excessive
amount of clippings blowing out indicates that the
bags are full or the system is plugged.
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