19
•
Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a
mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
•
For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance
of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the
lawn.
•
Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
•
Mowing should always be done with the engine at
full throttle.
•
Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go
back over the cut area a second time to get a clean
cut.
•
Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds
and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to
mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
•
Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades
when worn. Refer to the SERVICE section of this
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
MULCHING
Tractors come equipped with a mulch kit which
incorporates special blades, already standard on your
tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings
repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine
clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they
act as a natural fertilizer. Observe the following
recommendations for the best results when mulching.
•
Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet
grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting
deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
•
Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total
height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches.
Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up
beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.
•
Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass
clippings more time to effectively be mulched.
•
Always position the throttle control lever in the
FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there
while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full
throttle places strain on the tractor’s engine and
does not allow the blades to properly mulch grass.
Figure 14
NOTE:
It is not necessary to remove the discharge
chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed.
NOTE:
The mulch kit is installed on models equipped
with a 42-inch deck. It is packed separately (with an
instruction sheet) in the crate on models equipped with
a 46-inch deck
.
To operate the cutting deck without mulching, simply
remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic wing
nut and removing the cupped washer, which fastens it
to the cutting deck. This will allow the clippings to
discharge out the side. See Figure 14.
Headlights
On some models, the lamps are ON whenever the
tractor’s engine is running. On other models, the lamps
are ON whenever the ignition key is moved out of the
STOP position.
On all models, the lamps turn OFF when the ignition key
is moved to the STOP position.
NOTE:
Never move the key into the Start position
while the engine is running. Doing so may cause
damage to your engine’s electric starter.
SECTION 7: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in the operator’s
manual.
WARNING:
Disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine before
performing any adjustments, repairs or
maintenance.
LEVELING THE DECK
NOTE:
Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
TIRES in the maintenance section of this manual for
further information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer
bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear.
Carriage Screw
Plastic Wing Nut
Cupped
Mulch Plug
Washer
