Operating Instructions
34
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 chute 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 and performance of the
grass handling system (GHS). 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
op-
erations.
•
Make sure the mower is
leveled properly
for a
smooth cut. Refer to
Deck Leveling
in
Assembly In
structions
.
•
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 hydrostatic
transmissions 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 re-
moved
and must be kept in the lowest possible po-
sition 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 direction. The
maximum recommended slope operating angle
is 15 degrees or 26% grade.
Summary of Contents for MS
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Page 74: ...70 Operator s Notes...
