Operating Instructions
48
General Information
The Grass Handling System (GHS) consists of a
rear discharge mower deck connected to a 10.5 in.
(27 cm) blower and a rear mounted grass catcher
with 10.0 bushel (352 liters) capacity. The GHS
blower oper ates any time the mower blade clutch is
engaged and moves grass through the rear dis-
charge deck chute into the grass catcher. Blower
airflow is ex hausted out the back of the grass catch-
er, through a filtering screen. When the grass catch-
er 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 pre-
vent 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
CLEANING
the
GHS Blower
in
Mainte
nance Instructions
.
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-
catching operation, the "No-Catch" Deflec-
tor is an available accessory item.
NOTE:
When a side discharge or mulching mow er
deck is installed on the GHS model, a blower intake
cover should be installed in the blower intake tube.
This cover “unloads” the blower and seals the in-
take to effectively eliminate power loss and blower
noise when the blower is not being used.
Blower
Intake Cover
Blower Intake Cover
NOTE:
An alternative to using the blower intake
cover when a side discharge or mulching deck is
installed on a GHS model is the blower lockout kit
(P/N 7541). The blower lockout kit releases ten sion
on the blower drive belt and does not require the
blower intake cover.
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.
