17
Section 4
4.10 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL
ROTATING BLADES
NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS INTO THE DISCHARGE
CHUTE FOR ANY REASON! Shut off the engine and
remove the key and only then use a stick or similar
object to remove material if clogging has occurred.
1. If the discharge chute becomes clogged, shut off the
engine and remove the ignition key. Using a stick or
similar item, dislodge the clogged material. Then
resume normal mowing.
4.11 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE
STOPPED
To “free-wheel” or move the mower around without the
engine running, place the dump valve levers in the FREE-
WHEEL position (Figure 4-2, page 13). Disengage the
parking brake and move the mower by hand. The dump
valve levers must be returned to the DRIVE position and
torqued to 7-10 ft/lbs to drive the mower.
4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING
1. Do not mow with dull blades. A dull blade will tear
grass, resulting in poor lawn appearance and require
extra power.
2. The discharge chute must not be removed and must
be kept in the lowest position to deflect grass
clippings and thrown objects downward. Direct the
side discharge away from sidewalks or streets to
minimize cleanup of clippings. When mowing close
to obstacles, direct the discharge away from the
obstacles to reduce the chance of property damage
by thrown objects.
3. Cut grass when it is dry and not too tall. Do not cut
grass too short (cut off 1/3 or less of existing grass
for best appearance). Mow frequently.
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT DISCHARGE CHUTE, MULCHING
KIT, OR ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER INSTALLED
7. Operate the engine at full throttle for best cutting.
Mowing with a lower RPM causes the mower to
tear the grass. The engine is designed to be
operated at full speed.
8. Use the alternate stripe pattern for best lawn
appearance. Vary the direction of the stripe each
time the grass is mowed to avoid wear patterns in
the grass.
4.13 ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
The mower deck can be adjusted from a height of 1-inch
to 5-1/2 inches at 1/4-inch intervals. To adjust the cutting
height:
DO NOT adjust the cutting height with the mower
blades rotating. Disengage the power to the cutter
blades and then adjust cutting height.
1. Disengage the power to the cutter blades.
2. Push the cutting height adjustment foot pedal all the
way forward using your right foot until it locks in
place. (Figure 4-5, page 18)
3. Insert the lanyard pin into the cutting height index at
the desired cutting height. Push forward on the deck
lift foot lever, hold in place and lift up on the deck
release lever, (Figure 4-4). Slowly release the foot
pedal. A deck height decal is located on the cutting
height index as an aid in adjusting the deck to the
desired height. (Figure 4-5)
WARNING:
4. Keep mower and discharge chute clean.
5. When mowing wet or tall grass, mow the grass
twice. Raise the mower to the highest setting for the
first pass and then make a second pass to the desired
height.
6. Use a slow travel speed for trimming purposes.
