Operator's Manual

cutting unit and raise it by pulling back on the cutting
unit lift control levers. Hold the levers back until the
cutting unit is fully raised. Never raise the cutting deck
when it is engaged. Lock the cutting unit in place with
transport latches. Move the axle shift lever forward to
HI. When driving from one area to another, always shift
the axle to LO before encountering a slope. Never shift
from HI to LO while on a slope. Stop the machine on a
flat surface, engage the brakes and shift before climbing
the slope. Be careful when driving between objects so
you do not accidentally damage the machine or the
cutting unit.
Use extra care when operating the machine on
slopes. Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns on slopes
to prevent rollovers. The cutting unit must be
lowered when going downhill for steering control.
We recommend you use protective equipment, such as
protective equipment for eyes, ears, feet and head.
1. Caution
2. Wear hearing protection
Pushing Or Towing The Traction Unit—Use only a
rigid tow bar if it becomes necessary to tow the
machine. Make sure the axle shift lever is in NEUTRAL
position and only tow the machine forward. Use trailer
for normal transport. Move the axle shift lever to LO
position before loading the machine on a trailer.
Operating Tips
Mow When Grass Is Dry—Mow either in the late
morning to avoid the dew, which causes grass clumping
or in late afternoon to avoid the damage that can be
caused by direct sunlight on the sensitive, freshly
mowed grass.
Select the Proper Height-of-cut Setting To Suit
Conditions—Remove approximately 2.5 cm (one inch)
or no more than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In
exceptionally lush and dense grass you may have to
raise your height-of-cut setting another notch.
Mowing In Extreme Conditions—Air is required to
cut and re-cut grass clippings in the mower housing, so
do not set the height-of-cut too low or totally surround
the housing by uncut grass. Try to have one side of the
mower housing free from uncut grass, allowing air to be
drawn into housing. When making an initial cut through
the center of an uncut area, operate the machine slower
and back up if the mower starts to clog.
Clippings Discharge—Although the deck has rear
discharge, some clippings are discharged toward the left
side. To avoid discharging undesirable clippings onto
pathways, roads, or other non-turf surfaces, mow with
the right side of the deck next to the pathway, road, or
other non-turf surface
Mow At Proper Intervals—Under most normal
conditions you’ll need to mow every 4–5 days. But
remember, grass grows at different rates at different
times. This means that to maintain the same height of
cut—which is a good practice—you’ll need to cut more
often in early spring; as the grass growth rate slows in
mid summer, cut it only every 8–10 days. If you’re
unable to mow for an extended period, mow first with
the height-of-cut at a high level; then mow again 2–3
days later with a lower height setting.
Always Mow With Sharp Blades—A sharp blade cuts
cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass
blades. Tearing and shredding causes the grass to turn
brown at the edges which impairs growth and increases
susceptibility to diseases.
After Operating—To assure optimum performance,
clean the underside of the mower housings and under
the belt covers after each use. Use low pressure
compressed air only. Do not use water. If residue is
allowed to build up in the mower housings, cutting
performance will decrease.
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This machine produces sound levels in excess of 85
dBA at the operator’s ear and can cause hearing loss
through long periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this machine.
CAUTION