Operating Instructions
43
Avoid Low Hanging Branches
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 throt-
tle
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 5 in. (127 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
op
erations.
● Make sure the mower is
leveled properly
for a
smooth cut. Refer to
Deck Leveling
in
Assembly
Instructions
.
● 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
jerking 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 back
ward).
● Using the DS60 deck, or other side discharge
decks, 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 dis
charge away from side walks or streets to mini
mize 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 direction. The
maximum recommended slope operating
angle is 15 degrees or 27% grade.
