Operating Instructions
35
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 or near
full
throttle
for the best cutting action. 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
op-
erations.
·
Make sure the mower is
leveled properly
for a
smooth cut. Refer to
Deck Leveling
in
Assembly In
structions
.
·
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 transaxles 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 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 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 direction. The
maximum recommended side slope operating
angle is 20 degrees or 33% grade.
