Operating Instructions
D21d
46
● Keep the mower deck and discharge chute
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 and perfor-
mance of the grass handling system (GHS).
Mowing with a lower engine RPM causes the
mowing blade to not cut clean and tear the
grass. The engine is
designed to be oper-
ated at full speed.
● When mowing in adverse conditions (tall and/
or wet grass), mow the grass twice. Raise the
mower to the highest setting - 4 in. (102 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
operations.
● Make sure the mower is
leveled properly
for a
smooth cut. Refer to
Deck Leveling on page
25
.
● 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 hydrostatic transmissions are “power
boosted controls” and jerk ing 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 backward).
● When using a side discharge mower deck, 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 clippings. 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 direc-
tion. The
maximum recommended slope
operating angle is 15 degrees or 27%
grade.
Maximum Recommended
Slope - Do Not Operate
on Steep Slopes
14 in.
15°
52 in.
Maximum Recommended Slope
DANGER
Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet
(1.5 meters) of an embankment or retaining
wall with drop off.
