Operating Instructions
49
Clogging Checklist
In case of clogging, there will be a
distinct change
in the sound
of the blower, i.e., the blower sound
will stop. Also, the mower deck will begin to leave a
trail of grass clippings. When this occurs, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wires, and make
sure all movement has stopped before attempt-
ing to unclog.
DANGER
NEVER place hands under the mower deck
or in the GHS blower discharge chute.
Use a stick or similar tool to remove any
clogged material.
Normally, any clogging will first develop at the back
of the mower deck in the discharge opening into the
blower chute. Clogging at this point
does not indi-
cate a particular problem in this part of the sys-
tem, but is a symptom of something restrict ing
the flow of material
throughout the entire system.
The following list of items should be checked if a
pattern of clogging begins to develop. All of these
items are capable of causing clogging at the back of
the deck.
● Check to see if the mower blades are installed
for the correct rotation.
The blade cutting edges
should move towards each other at the front of the
deck on standard rotation decks (e.g., DC48), and
towards each other at the back of the deck on re-
verse rotation decks (e.g., DC52R).
FORWARD
Rear Discharge
Chute
Blades Must Operate at
Right Angles (90 Degrees)
Mounting Nut
Torque = 60 lb
·
ft
(81 N
·
m)
Blade Rotation for Standard Rotation
GHS Mower Deck (Bottom View)
FORWARD
Rear Discharge
Chute
Blades Must Operate at
Right Angles (90 Degrees)
Mounting Nut
Torque = 60 lb
·
ft
(81 N
·
m)
Blade Rotation for Reverse Rotation
GHS Mower Deck (Bottom View)
● Check the amount of
flat section
remaining at
blade tip. This is the area that is ground away (re-
moved) when the blades are sharpened. If too much
of the flat section is removed, the “air lift” perfor-
mance or “shovel” effect of the blade deteriorates to
the point that discharge of grass clippings into the
blower chute is marginal. Replace cutter blades if
less than 3/4 in. (19 mm) flat section remains at the
blade tip.
● Check that the interior of the deck housing and
baffling is reasonably
clean and free of grass and
dirt buildup.
While some degree of material build-
up can be tolerated, a point is finally reached where
the flow of air and grass clippings is restricted.
NOTE:
One condition that quickly causes a buildup
of material in the deck housing is mowing grass and/
or weeds which are “juicy.” The material collects
under the deck with sticky, green juice. Clo ver and
weeds are especially a problem. The mower deck
will need to be cleaned frequently when operating in
these conditions.
● Check the deck cutting height setting. When
working in thick, tall grass,
lower deck settings
[1 to 2 in. (25 to 51 mm) cutting heights] tend to
restrict airflow
from
moving into and under the
deck. Raising the deck cutting height will signifi-
cantly increase airflow and reduce clogging when
working in thick, tall grass.
● Check the interior of the chute connecting the
mower deck to the blower for
smoothness and
freedom from obstruction.
