Mowing Tips
• Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects to avoid
collisions.
• Begin with a high cutting height and reduce it until the
desired mowing result is attained. The average lawn should
be cut to 2½" (64 mm) during the cool season and over
3" (76 mm) during the hot months. For healthier and better
looking lawns, mow often after moderate growth. For best
cutting performance, grass over 6" (15 cm) in height should
be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high, the
second to the desired height.
• The mowing result will be best with a high engine speed
(blades rotate rapidly) and low speed (rider moves slowly).
If the grass is not too long and dense, the driving speed
can be increased without negatively affecting the mowing
result.
• The finest lawns are obtained by mowing often. The lawn
becomes more even and the grass clippings more evenly
distributed over the mown area. The total time taken is not
increased as a higher operating speed can be used without
poor mowing results.
• Avoid mowing wet lawns. The mowing result is poorer
because the wheels sink into the soft lawn, clumps build,
and grass clippings fasten under the cowling.
• Hose the mower deck underside with water after each use.
When cleaning, the mower deck shall be raised into the
transport position. Make sure the mower is cooled and the
engine is off.
• Use compressed air to clean top surface of the deck.
Avoid flooding water on top surface, engine and electrical
components.
• When the mulching kit is used, it is important that the
mowing interval is frequent.
Moving Machine By Hand
When pushing or pulling the mower, engage the IZT
(Integrated Zeroturn Transaxle) bypass linkages. The release
levers are located on each side of the rear of the unit below the
rear engine plate.
1. Raise the deck to the highest (transport) position.
2. Pull the release levers up and out of the keyhole slots.
Release the levers with the head outside the bracket and
held into the bypass setting.
3. To reengage the IZTs to drive, reverse the above
procedure.
WARNING! Use extreme caution when loading the
machine into a truck or trailer using ramps. There is the
possibility of serious injury or death if the machine falls off
the ramps.
WARNING! Make no adjustments without:
• the engine stopped,
• the ignition key removed,
• the park brake activated
WARNING! Bypass linkages are located close to
the muffler. To prevent burns, the engine should be shut off
and allowed to cool before the bypass linkage levers are
handled.
Load the machine into truck or trailer by driving up ramps in
low gear. DO NOT LIFT! The machine is not intended to be
lifted by hand.
WARNING! Clear the lawn of stones and other
objects that can be thrown out by the blades.
20
OPERATION