John Deere FM2017 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
The mulching kit is an option available for our mowers. This kit, containing 3 multilevel
cutting edge blades and add-on containment baffling which bolts to the underside of
each mower deck, mulches and pulverizes grass and leaves.
Another benefit of the mulching kit is safety. In fact, the kit greatly reduces the possibility
of thrown objects. This is particularly important when mowing around schools, public
parks and golf courses. If you are using a mulching kit, you need to reduce your
ground speed to under 2 mph (see fig. 14).
3.12 - Operating Techniques
All of the following factors are important in selecting the proper forward speed:
1. Height of grass.
2. Type of grass.
3. Density of grass.
4. Type of terrain.
5. Grass condition, wet or dry.
6. Type of blades.
This mower has been designed to cut grass with heights from 4” to 8”. It is
recommended to avoid cutting grass taller than 10”. For the best results, try cutting the
grass at least once per week during growing season. Tall, dense grass should be cut at
low speed, while thin medium grass can be cut at a faster ground speed. For cleaner
cuts and efficient mowing, the blades must be kept sharp
14
.
Always operate PTO at 540 rpm. This is necessary to maintain proper blade speed and
obtain a clean cut.
Under certain conditions, tractor tires may roll some grass down and prevent it from
being cut at the same height as the surrounding area. If this occurs reduce the tractor
ground speed but maintain a 540 rpm engine speed. The lower ground speed will permit
the grass to at least partially rebound. Under some conditions grass will not rebound
enough to be cut evenly, resulting in an uneven appearance. In general, lower cutting
height gives a more even cut with less tendency to leave tire tracks. If cut is still not
satisfactory, cut the area twice.
Mow extremely tall grass twice. On the first pass use a high cutting height. On the
second pass position the mower at the desired height and, when practical, mow at a
right angle in travel to the first pass.
Plan your pattern to travel straight forward whenever possible.
It is better to cut grass more often, than too short. Short grass deteriorates rapidly in hot
weather and invites weed growth during growing season.
If at any time the mower should jam resulting in belt slippage of 2 or more seconds,
raise the mower and continue for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the pulleys to cool and
prolong belt life.
Because of the size and high cutting speed of the Flex mower, it is extremely important
that the operator becomes familiar with its width while mowing around trees, buildings,
OPERATION 28 FRONTIER
F
LEX WING GROOMING MOWERS OPERATORS MANUAL
14
See Sharpening Blades in Section 4.03 - Blade Maintenance.