Operating Instructions
40
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING
DANGER
Do not mow around overhanging tree
branches or bushes at the same height as
the operator’s torso and head where inad-
vertent contact may cause injury.
Avoid Low Hanging Branches
IMPORTANT:
Operate the engine at
full throttle
when mowing, to allow the engine to produce full
horsepower and to increase efficiency of the engine
cooling system.
● 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 throt-
tle
for the best cutting action and performance 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 operated 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
in
Assembly
Instructions
.
● 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 re-
moved
and must be kept in the lowest possible po-
sition to deflect grass clippings and thrown objects
down ward. Orient the side discharge away from
side walks or streets to minimize cleanup of clip-
pings. When mowing close to obstacles, orient the
side dis charge away from obstacles to reduce the
chance of damage to property by thrown objects.
