Operating

Getting the Best Performance from Your Bagger

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.

• Keep hopper top closed.

• 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 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.

Providing Airflow For Bagger

Bagger needs strong airflow from mower to bags for best performance. Follow these suggestions to help airflow:

• Keep bagger chute, hopper top, screen, bags and underside of mower clean.

• Keep throttle lever at fast position but travel at slow speed.

• Level mower front-to-rear so rear of mower is no more than 13 mm (1/2 in.) higher than front of mower.

• Operate mower in higher cutting positions.

• Replace worn or damaged mower blades.

Filling Bags

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades can throw objects and debris. Stop engine before removing or installing discharge chute or grass catcher, or approved mulch plug or guard.

• When clippings are up to hopper top window, empty bags to avoid plugging bagger chute. Left bag normally fills first.

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

• Fill bags 1/2 full when operating on slopes to avoid tipping.

Unplugging Mower, Bagger, or Material Collection System

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not attempt to unplug attachment with machine running. • Rotating blades are dangerous. Shut off the engine and remove the key before getting off the seat to inspect the machine and attachment. • Thrown objects can cause serious injury. Make sure all machine parts are stopped before raising hopper top or removing chutes.

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.

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.