John Deere

OMM145411

Issue l0

Rear Bagger and Power Flow

7-Bushel

Introduction

Product Identification

Safety

Preparing Vehicle

Installing

Removing

Operating

Air Flow for Material Collection System

Check for Plugging While Bagging

Dismounting to Inspect or Unplug Material Collection System

Inspect and Unplug Material Collection System

Filling Bags

Bagging Tips

After Bagging

Transporting

Replacement Parts

Service

Troubleshooting

Storage

Specifications

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Operating


Air Flow for Material Collection System

The material collection system needs strong air flow from mower deck to bags for best performance. The Rear Bagger and Power Flow chutes are equipped with a flow indicator that shows whether sufficient air flow is moving through the system:


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ˇ When red indicator (A) is visible, little or no air flow is moving through the chute.


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ˇ When red indicator (A) is not visible, sufficient air flow is present.

Follow these suggestions to maintain sufficient air flow:

ˇ Keep blower assembly (if equipped), chutes, hopper top, screen, bags, and underside of mower deck clean.

ˇ Keep throttle lever at fast position but travel slow.

ˇ Level mower front-to-rear so rear of mower is no more than 10 mm (3/8 in.) higher than front of mower.

ˇ Operate mower in higher cutting positions.

ˇ Replace worn or damaged mower blades.

ˇ Attach optional lips (if available).

Check for Plugging While Bagging

Check the flow indicator on the Rear Bagger or Power Flow chute periodically for any indication of loss of air flow.

If there is a trail of clippings behind mower or the clippings blow to the side, check for plugged chute, full bags, or problems with the blower assembly (if equipped).

If grass builds up in front of mower deck discharge chute, check for plugged rear bagger or power flow chute, or problems with the blower assembly (if equipped).

Dismounting to Inspect or Unplug Material Collection System

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous:

ˇ Park the machine safely and lock the park brake before getting off the seat.

ˇ Turn the mower off.

ˇ Stop the engine.

Before getting off the seat:

1. Stop machine.

2. Disengage mower blades.

3. Move throttle lever to slow position.

4. Lower mower to the ground.

5. Lock the park brake.

6. Stop the engine.

7. Remove the key.

8. Wait for all moving parts to stop.

Inspect and Unplug Material Collection System

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! To help prevent injury from mower blades, do not try to unplug discharge chute while engine is running.


MIF

Remove debris from the following inspection points:

1. Open hopper cover. Check chute outlet.

2. Remove chute from mower deck or blower assembly (if equipped). Check chute inlet.

3. Check under mower deck for debris.

Filling Bags

Check level of clippings often.

Empty bags when full to prevent plugging of chute.

Left bag normally fills first.

Right bag may not fill completely when you are cutting a thin stand of grass. Bag will fill if you slow engine to reduce air flow.

To avoid tipping, fill bags 1/2 full when operating on slopes.

Bagging Tips

Run engine at full throttle. If engine slows down, reduce travel speed.

Bag grass only when grass is less wet. Wet grass is more likely to plug the mower deck and material collection system.

Always keep hopper top latched to achieve an air tight seal.

For improved bag fill, order loose weave bags if bagging damp grass with 48 and 54-inch decks. See the REPLACEMENT PARTS section for part numbers.

Install an optional mower deck lip kit if you continuously have a trail of clippings behind mower or the clippings blow to the side. See your John Deere Dealer for availability.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not leave clippings in bags:

ˇ Moisture may damage bags.

ˇ Damp clippings are a fire hazard.


Pick up all rocks, stones, twigs, and other debris before mowing and bagging. Cut grass higher than desired the first time so mower will clear unseen obstructions that could cause damage to the mower or material collection system.

Never leave grass or leaves in the bags overnight or for long periods of time. Dampness from leaves or grass will cause deterioration of the bags. Also, damp leaves or grass when contained in the bags are combustible and can create a fire.

For this reason, never store garbage bags of leaves or grass bagging equipment with full or partially filled bags in a garage or other enclosure. Grass clippings make excellent compost. Clippings can be used also as mulch between garden rows or around flowers, shrubs and trees.


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Plastic lawn and leaf or garbage bags can be placed inside the cloth bags to facilitate disposal of grass or leaves. Use 33 gallon size lawn and leaf bags.

NOTE: Be sure to drape enough of the plastic bag over the outside of the cloth bag on all four sides so the bags can easily be tied shut after filling.

To remove plastic bags, first tie the bag shut. Remove cloth bag with plastic bag from hopper. Lift plastic bag out of cloth bag and dispose of clippings.

After Bagging

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Don't leave clippings in bags:

ˇ Moisture may damage bags.

ˇ Clippings are a fire hazard.


Immediately empty clippings from cloth bags. Allow the bags to dry after mowing to prevent deterioration.

Let engine cool to help prevent starting a fire when you store the mower.

Clean top of deck, engine, and material collection system with compressed air, if possible, to help prevent buildup and fire.

Clean under deck with water under pressure, to help prevent buildup and remove corrosive lawn chemicals. After washing deck, run mower for a few minutes to dry.

Transporting

If the material collection system will be left on the tractor during transport, follow these guidelines when trailering the unit:

ˇ Empty the cloth bags and remove them from the hopper. Full bags add extra weight which can overstress the hopper frame on rough roads. At road travel speeds, wind can cause premature wear of the cloth bags.

ˇ Make sure the hopper cover is latched securely to the hopper frame.

ˇ If unit will be transported over long distances or at high speeds, remove the rear bagger or power flow chute before transport.