Operating
Using the Fill Indicator
The material collection system requires unrestricted air flow from mower deck to bags for best performance. A fill indicator located on the bagging chute measures air flow through the system. As the grass bags become full, air pressure in the chute increases causing yellow diaphragm (A) to rise. The indicator will also show a hopper full condition if the chute is plugged somewhere between the indicator and hopper.
Maintain sufficient air flow:
• Keep the POWER FLOW, chute, hopper, 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.
• Install optional baffle kit if available for your mower model. See your John Deere dealer.
Dismounting to Inspect or Unplug Material Collection System
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous:
• Park the machine safely and lock the park brake before getting off the seat. |
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage Power Take-Off (PTO).
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator’s seat.
Unplugging the 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.
|
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Open the hopper. Check chute outlet.
3. Remove chute from the POWER FLOW. Check chute inlet.
4. Swing the POWER FLOW away from mower deck. Check under mower deck for grass build-up and debris.
Installing and Removing Grass Bags
Installing
1. Pull back handle (A) to unlatch hopper lid.
3. Slide bags (B) into position on support frame (C) so the safety decals are visible at rear of machine.
4. Close hopper lid. Make sure lid is securely latched.
Removing
1. Pull back handle (A) to unlatch hopper lid.
3. Slide bags (B) from support frame (C).
4. Close hopper lid. Make sure lid is securely latched.
Filling the Bags
• Check level of clippings often.
• Empty bags when full to prevent plugging of chute.
• Left and center bags usually fill first.
• To avoid tipping, fill bags no more than 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.
• Install optional baffle kit to mower deck if clippings continually trail behind or blow to the side of the mower. See your John Deere dealer for availability.
• 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.
• Plastic lawn and leaf or garbage bags can be placed inside the cloth bags to facilitate disposal of grass or leaves. Use 45 gallon lawn and leaf bags. Drape enough of the plastic bag over the outside of the cloth bag on all 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
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:
• Empty the cloth bags and remove them from the hopper. 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 material collection system before transport.