B23
Operating Instructions
39
IMPORTANT:
Operate the engine at
full throttle
when mowing, to allow the engine to produce full
horsepower and to increase efficiency of the
engine cooling system.
● Keep the mower deck and discharge shield
clean.
● Mow with
sharp blades
. A dull blade tears the
grass (resulting in poor lawn appearance) and
uses extra power (slowing the mowing speed).
● It is preferable to cut grass when it is
dry
and
not too tall
. Mow frequently and do not cut
grass too short. (For best appearance, cut off
1/3 or less of existing grass height.)
● When mowing, operate the engine at
full
throttle
for the best cutting action. Mowing
with a lower engine RPM causes the mowing
blade to not cut clean and tear the grass. The
engine is
designed to be operated at full
speed.
● When mowing in adverse conditions (tall and/
or wet grass), mow the grass twice. Raise the
mower to the highest setting – 4 in. (102 mm)
– for the first pass and then make a second
pass cutting to the desired height.
● Use a
slow
setting on the FSC for
trimming
operations.
● Make sure the mower is
leveled properly
for a
smooth cut. Refer to
Deck Leveling on page
23
.
● Use an alternating
stripe mowing pattern for
best appearance
and vary the direction of the
stripe each time the grass is mowed to avoid
wear patterns in the grass.
● Avoid damage to the grass by slipping and
skid ding of the drive tires. Use
smooth
control move ments
of the steering levers
since the transaxles are “power boosted
controls” and jerk ing the levers can easily slip
the tires. For sharp turns, do not allow the
inside wheel to stop and twist on grass; pull
inside steering lever into reverse for a smooth
“rolling” turn (one wheel rolling forward while
the other rolls backward).
● When using a side discharge mower deck, the
side discharge deflector shield
must not be
removed
and must be kept in the lowest
possible position to deflect grass clippings and
thrown objects down ward. Orient the side
discharge away from side walks or streets to
minimize cleanup of clippings. When mowing
close to obstacles, orient the side dis charge
away from obstacles to reduce the chance of
damage to property by thrown objects.
Discharge
Shield
Side Discharge Deflector
Shield in Lowest Position
● When operating on a slope,
reduce speed
and use caution
to start, stop, and maneuver.
Avoid sharp turns or sudden changes in direc-
tion. The
maximum recommended slope
operating angle is 15 degrees or 27%
grade.
8600-9
60 lb·f
t (81 N
·m)
8600-
14
14 in.
15°
52 in.
Maximum
Recommended
Slope -
Do Not Operate
on Steep Slopes
Maximum Recommended Slope
