Using the Grass Deflector
DANGER
Without the grass deflector, discharge cover,
or complete grass catcher assembly mounted
in place, you and others are exposed to blade
contact and thrown debris. Contact with
rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris
will cause injury or death.
•
Always install the grass deflector when
removing the collection system and
changing to side discharge mode.
•
If the grass deflector is ever damaged,
replace it immediately. The grass deflector
routes material down toward the turf.
•
Never put your hands or feet under the
mower.
•
Never try to clear the discharge area or
mower blades unless you move the power
take off (PTO) to the off position, rotate the
ignition key to off and remove the key.
Transporting Machines
DANGER
Transporting the machine with grass or debris
in the bagger can damage the machine.
Do not leave grass or debris in the bagger
while transporting the machine on a trailer or
truck.
Operating Tips
Machine Size
Remember that the machine is longer and wider with
this attachment installed. If you turn too sharply in
confined places, you may damage the attachment or
other property.
Trimming
Always trim with the left side of the mower. Do not trim
with the right side of the mower because you could
damage the bagging tubes.
Cutting Height
For optimum bagging performance, set the deck
height-of-cut to remove no more than 2 to 3 inches
(51 to 76 mm) or 1/3 of the grass height, whichever
is less. Cutting off more than this will reduce the
capacity of the vacuum system.
Cutting Frequency
Cut the grass often, especially when it grows rapidly.
You need to cut your grass twice if it gets excessively
long (refer to Bagging Long Grass
).
Cutting Technique
For best lawn appearance, be sure to slightly overlap
the mower into the previously cut area. This helps
reduce the load on the engine and reduces the chance
of plugging the blower assembly and tubes.
Bagging Speed
The bagging system may plug if you drive too fast and
the engine speed gets too slow. On hills, you may
need to slow the ground speed of the machine. Mow
downhill whenever possible.
CAUTION
As the bagger fills, extra weight is added to
the back of the machine. If you stop and
start suddenly on hills, you may lose steering
control or the machine may tip.
•
Do not start or stop suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Avoid uphill starts.
•
If you do stop the machine when going
uphill, disengage the PTO. Then back down
the hill using a slow speed.
•
Do not change speeds or stop on slopes.
Bagging Long Grass
If the grass grows longer than normal, or if it contains
a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height
higher than usual and cut and bag the grass at this
setting. Then cut and bag the grass again using the
lower, normal setting.
Excessively long grass is heavy and may not be
propelled completely into the bagger. If this happens,
the tube and blower may plug. To avoid plugging
the bagging system, mow the grass at a high
height-of-cut, then lower the mower to your normal
cutting height and repeat the bagging process.
Bagging Wet Grass
If possible, always try to cut grass when it is dry. Wet
grass can cause plugging.
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