16
Clearing Obstructions from the
Bagger
1.
Stop the machine, move the control levers to neutral
locked position, disengage the PTO, stop the engine,
and remove the ignition key. Wait for all moving parts
to stop.
2.
Check the grass bags and empty them if they are full.
3.
Remove and separate the discharge tube and blower
from the bagger top and mower. Using a stick or
similar object, carefully remove and clear the
obstruction from the mower, discharge tube, blower,
and the bagger top.
4.
After you remove the obstruction, install the complete
bagger system and resume operation.
Operating and Bagging Tips
Size
Remember that the machine is longer and wider with this
attachment installed. By turning too sharply in confined
places you may damage the attachment.
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 bagger’s blower and discharge tube.
Cutting Height
Do not set the mower cutting height too low because long
grass surrounding the mower can prevent air from getting
under the mower and entering the bagging system. If
enough air doesn’t get under the mower, the bagging
system will plug.
Cutting Frequency
Cut the grass often, especially when it grows rapidly. You
will have to cut your grass twice if it gets excessively long
(refer to Bagging Long Grass, page 16).
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 and discharge tube.
Using Bag Liners
Although not required, bags may be inserted into each
cloth grass bag as a liner to collect clippings and make
disposal more convenient (Fig. 33). If you use a bag liner,
remove the filled grass bag and close the top of the liner.
Then pull the liner out the grass bag or turn the bag upside
down while holding the handle on the bottom of the grass
bag, allowing the liner to slide out.
1378
1
2
Figure 33
1. Cloth grass bag
2. Bag (liner)
Bagging Speed
Most often you will bag with the throttle in the Fast
position and drive at a normal ground speed. However, in
extremely dry and dusty grass, you may want to slightly
reduce the throttle speed and increase the ground speed of
the machine. The bagging system may plug if you drive
too fast and the engine speed gets too slow. On hills it
may be necessary to slow the machine ground speed. This
helps maintain the engine speed and bagging efficiency.
Mow downhill whenever possible.
As the grass bags fill, 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 proceed slowly off the
slope.
•
Do not change speeds or stop on slopes.
Warning
Bagging Long Grass
Excessively long grass is heavy and may not be propelled
completely into the grass bags. If this happens, the
discharge 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.
