Operator's Manual

24
Transporting the Machine
Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine.
Ensure that the trailer or truck has all necessary lighting
and marking as required by law. Please carefully read all
the safety instructions. Knowing this information could
help you, your family, pets, or bystanders avoid injury.
To transport the machine:
• Lock the brake and block the wheels.
• Securely fasten the machine to the trailer or truck with
straps, chains, cable, or ropes.
• Secure a trailer to the towing vehicle with safety chains.
Driving on street or roadway without turn signals,
lights, reflective markings, or a slow moving
vehicle emblem is dangerous and can lead to
accidents causing personal injury.
Do not drive machine on a public street or
roadway.
Warning
Loading the Machine
Use extreme caution when loading units on trailers or
trucks. One full width ramp that is wide enough to extend
beyond the rear tires is recommended instead of individual
ramps for each side of the unit. The lower rear section of
the tractor frame extends back between the rear wheels and
serves as a stop for tipping backward. Having a full width
ramp provides a surface for the frame members to contact if
the unit starts to tip backward. If it is not possible to use
one full width ramp, use enough individual ramps to
simulate a full width continuous ramp.
The ramp should be long enough so that the angles between
the ramp and the ground and the ramp and the trailer or
truck do not exceed 15 degrees. A steeper angle may cause
mower deck components to get caught as the unit moves
from ramp to trailer or truck. Steeper angles may also cause
the unit to tip backward. If loading on or near a slope,
position the trailer or truck so that it is on the down side of
the slope and the ramp extends up the slope. This will
minimize the ramp angle. The trailer or truck should be as
level as possible.
Important Do not attempt to turn the unit while on the
ramp; you may lose control and drive off of the side.
Avoid sudden acceleration when driving up a ramp and
sudden deceleration when backing down a ramp. Both
maneuvers can cause the unit to tip backward.
Loading a unit onto a trailer or truck increases the
possibility of backward tip-over and could cause
serious injury or death.
• Use extreme caution when operating a unit on a
ramp.
• Use only a single, full width ramp; Do Not use
individual ramps for each side of the unit.
• If individual ramps must be used, use enough
ramps to create an unbroken ramp surface
wider than the unit.
• Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between ramp
and ground or between ramp and trailer or
truck.
• Avoid sudden acceleration while driving unit up
a ramp to avoid tipping backward.
• Avoid sudden deceleration while backing unit
down a ramp to avoid tipping backward.
Warning
Tips for Mowing Grass
Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the
engine at fast. Air is required to thoroughly cut grass
clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut so low as to totally
surround the mower by uncut grass. Always try to have one
side of the mower free from uncut grass, which allows air
to be drawn into the mower.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that the
cutting height of the mower does not scalp any uneven
ground. However, the cutting height used in the past is
generally the best one to use. When cutting grass longer
than 6 inches (15 cm) tall, you may want to cut the lawn
twice to ensure an acceptable quality of cut.
Cut 1/3 of the Grass Blade
It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade. Cutting
more than that is not recommended unless grass is sparse,
or it is late fall when grass grows more slowly.
Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing
straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances
decomposition and fertilization.