Operating Instructions
38
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 en-
gine 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 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 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 DSD60 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 discharge away from
side
walks or streets to minimize cleanup of clip-
pings. 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.
60 in.
16 in.
15°
Maximum Recommended
Slope - Do Not Operate
on Steep Slopes
Maximum Recommended Slope
