Operating
Unplugging Mower, Bagger, or Material Collection System
Checking For Plugging While Driving
If grass builds up in front of mower discharge chute, check for plugged chute or problems with blower assembly (if equipped).
If there is a trail of clippings behind mower or clippings blow to the side, check for plugged chute, full collector bags, or problems with blower assembly.
Removing Debris From Inspection Points:
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not use hands or feet to clear plugged mower deck or blower assembly. Stored energy can cause blades to rotate.
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1. Park machine safely. Wait for all moving parts to stop before getting off to inspect machine.
2. Open hopper cover. Check chute outlet.
3. Remove chute from mower deck or blower assembly. Check chute inlet.
4. Check under mower deck for debris.
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:
• When red indicator (A) is visible, little or no air flow is moving through the chute.
• When red indicator (A) is not visible, sufficient air flow is present.
Follow these suggestions to maintain sufficient air flow:
• Keep blower assembly (if equipped), chutes, hopper top, screen, bags, and underside of mower deck clean.
• Keep throttle lever at fast position but travel slow.
• Level mower front-to-rear so rear of mower is no more than 10 mm (3/8 in.) higher than front of mower.
• Operate mower in higher cutting positions.
• Replace worn or damaged mower blades.
• Attach optional lips (if available).
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 speed. If engine slows down, reduce travel speed.
Bag grass only when grass is dry. Wet grass will plug chute and bagger.
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 bagging attachment.
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 attachment 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.
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. Then remove cloth bag with plastic bag from support. Lay bag on its side on ground. Hold cord on bottom of bag and shake material out of bag to empty.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Bagger may extend beyond machine or mower. Be careful not to hit tree or building, etc., with hopper when you make short turns. |
After Bagging
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 MCS
If the material collection system will be left on the tractor during transport, follow these guidelines when trailering the unit:
• 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.
• Make sure the hopper cover is latched securely to the hopper frame.
• If unit will be transported over long distances or at high speeds, remove the rear bagger or power flow chute before transport.