Using the Grass Deflector
DANGER
Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or
complete grass catcher assembly mounted in
place, you and others are exposed to blade contact
and thrown debris. Contact with rotating mower
blade(s) and thrown debris will cause injury or
death.
•
Always install the grass deflector when removing
the bagger and changing to side discharge
mode.
•
If the grass deflector is ever damaged, replace it
immediately. The grass deflector routes material
down toward the turf.
•
Never put your hands or feet under the machine.
•
Never try to clear the discharge area or mower
blades unless you move the power take off
(PTO) to the off position, rotate the ignition key
to off and remove the key.
Transporting the Machine
Do not leave grass or debris in the bagger while transporting
the machine.
DANGER
Transporting the machine with grass or debris in
the bagger can damage the machine.
Do not leave grass or debris in the bagger while
transporting the machine.
Operating Tips
Machine 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 or other property.
Trimming
Always trim with the left side of the machine. Do not trim
with the right side of the machine because you could damage
the bagging tubes.
Cutting Height
For optimum bagging performance, set the deck height-of-cut
to remove no more than 51 to 76 mm (2 to 3 inches) or
1/3 of the grass height, which ever is less. Cutting off more
than this will reduce the capacity of the vacuum system.
Cutting Frequency
Cut the grass often, especially when it grows rapidly. You will
have to cut your grass twice if it gets excessively long (refer to
Bagging Long Grass (page 19)
).
Cutting Technique
For best lawn appearance, be sure to slightly overlap the
machine into the previously cut area. This helps reduce the
load on the engine and reduces the chance of plugging the
blower assembly and tubes.
Bagging Speed
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 machines ground speed. Mow down hill whenever
possible.
CAUTION
As the bagger fills, extra weight is added to the back
of the machine. If you stop and start 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 PTO. Then back down the hill
using a slow speed.
•
Do not change speeds or stop on slopes.
Bagging Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow longer than normal, or if
it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height
higher than usual and cut and bag the grass at this setting.
19
