C23i
Operating Instructions
45
General Information
The Grass Handling System (GHS) consists of a
rear discharge mower deck connected to a 13.25
in. (34 cm) blower and a rear mounted grass
catcher with 7.0 bushel (246 liters) capacity or
optional 10.0 bushel (352 liters) capacity. The
GHS blower operates any time the mower blade
clutch is engaged and moves grass through the
rear discharge deck chute into the grass catcher.
Blower airflow is exhausted out the back of the
grass catcher, through a filtering screen. When the
grass catcher is full and needs to be emptied, a
“
full” signal horn alerts the operator.
When the
“full” signal horn sounds, it is important to stop
mowing to prevent overfilling and clogging of the
blower system.
IMPORTANT:
Normally, the GHS blower operates
with no maintenance or cleaning required. How-
ever, under certain operating conditions, the inside
of the blower housing may accumulate a deposit of
dirt, causing wear and binding of the blower wheel.
Normally, dirt buildup occurs when mowing
a com-
bination of dirty and damp grass,
especially in
the springtime. When operating in these condi-
tions,
check the blower wheel frequently
for
binding and clean the blower housing as required.
Refer to
NOTE:
In Autumn, when using the GHS mower to
vacuum leaves, it is recommended to raise the
front
of the mower deck 2 to 3 notches [1 to 1-1/2
in. (25 to 38 mm)]
higher than the rear.
This will
avoid “bulldozing” leaves, particularly when the
leaves are piled in a thick layer. To make this
ad justment, the hitch pins in the
two (2) front
deck
support pins are repositioned 2 to 3 notches higher
while leaving the rear pins in their original position.
DANGER
NEVER operate the GHS catcher with the
back door open. Objects may be thrown
out the back of the catcher with sufficient
force to cause serious injury to bystand ers
or property damage. NOTE: For non-catch-
ing operation, the “No-Catch” Deflector is
an available accessory item.
DANGER
ROTATING BLOWER BLADES
NEVER operate the GHS blower with the
blower discharge chute uncovered (grass
catcher in the dump position) since dan-
gerous projectiles may be thrown. NEVER
put hands into the blower discharge chute
for any reason. Use a stick or similar in-
strument to remove any material if clog-
ging has occurred.
CAUTION
NEVER leave grass clippings in the grass
catcher after mowing. Damp clippings
generate heat as they decompose. This
MAY cause spontaneous combustion.
Clogging Checklist
In case of clogging, there will be a
distinct change
in the sound
of the blower, i.e., the blower sound
will stop. Also, the mower deck will begin to leave
a trail of grass clippings. When this occurs, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug wires, and
make sure
all movement has stopped before
attempt ing to unclog.
DANGER
NEVER place hands under the mower deck
or in the GHS blower discharge chute. Use
a stick or similar tool to remove any clogged
material.
Normally, any clogging will first develop at the back
of the mower deck in the discharge opening into
the blower chute. Clogging at this point
does not
indi cate a particular problem in this part of the
system, but is a symptom of something
restrict ing the flow of material
throughout the
entire system. The following list of items should be
checked if a pattern of clogging begins to develop.
All of these items are capable of causing clogging
at the back of the deck.
