Bush Hog GC-250 Lawn Mower Accessory User Manual


 
SECTION IV
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4-1 General Safety
Only qualified people familiar with this operator’s manu-
al and the mower’s operator’s manual should operate
this machine.
4-2 Operation and Tips on Mowing
A. Perform BEFORE EACH USE maintenance list
in paragraph 5-1.
B. Start mower.
C. With the mower engine at high speed, engage the
mower deck.
NOTE: If the collection system does not appear to be
collecting the grass clippings, disengage the deck, then
engage the parking brake and turn the engine off. pro-
ceed to Section 4-3.
To obtain the maximum effectiveness from your collec-
tion system the tips listed below should be
followed:
…Larger Machine With Grass Catcher
Remember that the mower is longer and wider with this
attachment installed. By turning too sharpley in con-
fined places you may damage the grass catcher or
mower.
…Trimming
Always trim with the left side of the mower. Do not trim
with the right side of the mower because you could
damage the boot assembly and collection tube.
…Cutting Height
Do not set the mower cutting height too low because
long grass surrounding the mower can prevent air from
getting under the mower, the bagging system will plug.
…Cutting Frequency
Cut the grass often, especially when it grows rapidly.
You will have to cut your grass twice if it get excessively
long.
…Bagging Long Grass
Excessively long grass is heavy and may not be pro-
pelled completely into the grass bags. If this happens,
the discharge tube and chute may plug. To avoid plug-
ging the bagging system, mow the grass at a high
height of cut, the lower the mower to your normal mow-
ing height and repeat the bagging process.
…Bagging Wet Grass
Always try to cut grass when it is dry because your lawn
will have a neat apperance. If you must cut wet grass,
use the conventional discharge feature of the mower.
Several hours later, when the clippings are dry, install
the grass catcher and vacuum up the grass clippings.
…Signs of Plugging
As you are bagging, a small amount of grass clippings
normally blow out the front of the mower. an excessive
amount of clippings blowing out indicates that the bags
are full or plugged.
4-3 Emptying the Collection Bags
!!
WARNING!
To determine when the collection bags are
full, follow the following steps:
A. Stop the forward movement of the mower.
B. Disengage the mower deck.
C. Turn the Ignition off and remove key.
D. Engage the parking brake.
E. Once the parking brake has been engaged, and
only then, walk behind the mower and check the
collection bags by lifting the plastic top.The load
in the bags should not exceed the height of the
installed bags.
F. Slide the bag out and turn the bag over to deposit
the clippings.
G.
To empty the bag, remove the bag by slid-
ing rear
ward. Grasp the strap on the bottom
of the
bag, turn it upside down and empty the
collected
debris. Repeat for the other bag. Reinstall
both bags and line with plastic bags if desired,
close the top.
NOTE: Do not allow collection bags to become over
filled as potential damage may occur to your equip-
ment. Also, be sure to clean the hood and screen as
needed.
4-4 Clearing Obstructions from
Grass Catcher
!!
WARNING!
Never perform this procedure with the
engine running! To do so could result in
severe injury or death.
A. Stop the forward movement of the mower.
B. Disengage the mower deck.
C. Turn the Ignition off and remove key.
D. Engage the parking brake.
E. Check the collection bags and empty if they are full.
Refer to step 4-3.
F. Remove the boot assembly from the deck by
removing the boot rod and hair pin (refer to Figure
6). Use a stick or simular object to remove the
obstruction from the mower, boot assembly or col-
lection tube.
G. After the obstruction is removed re-attach the
boot assembly to the deck.
H. Resume mowing.
4-5 Removing the Grass Catcher
!!
WARNING!
This machine should NEVER be in operation with
the mower discharge opening uncovered. Thrown
objects from an uncovered discharge opening
could impact the operator or bystanders resulting
in injury or death. Also contact with blade could
result in injury or death.
Never operate this machine unless the discharge
opening is covered by the original grass deflector
or the complete grass catcher is installed.
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