18
R
Section 4
MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE 4.11
STOPPED
To “free-wheel” or move the mower around without the
engine running, rotate the dump valve levers counter-
clockwise. See Figure 4-4. Disengage the parking brake
and move the mower by hand. When the machine is in the
desired position, engage the parking brake and rotate the
levers clockwise until they stop. The dump valve levers
must be returned to the DRIVE position and torqued to
10 lb-ft to drive the mower.
390S141-1
DUMP VALV E
CONTROL
Dump Valve ControlFigure 4-4.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING4.12
Do not mow with dull blades. A dull blade will tear 1.
grass, resulting in poor lawn appearance and
reduced mowing power.
WARNING
DO NOT operate without Discharge Chute,
Mulching Kit, or entire Grass Catcher properly
installed.
The discharge chute must not be removed and 2.
must be kept in the lowest position to deflect grass
clippings and thrown objects downward. Direct the
side discharge away from sidewalks or streets to
minimize cleanup of clippings. When mowing close
to obstacles, direct the discharge away from the
obstacles to reduce the chance of property damage
by thrown objects.
Cut grass when it is dry and not too tall. Do not cut 3.
grass too short (cut off 1/3 or less of existing grass
for best appearance). Mow frequently.
Keep mower and discharge chute clean.
4.
When mowing wet or tall grass, mow the grass twice. 5.
Raise the mower to the highest setting for the first
pass and then make a second pass to the desired
height.
Use a slow travel speed for trimming purposes.6.
Operate the engine at full throttle for best cutting. 7.
Mowing with a lower RPM causes the mower to tear
the grass. The engine is designed to be operated at
full speed.
Use the alternate stripe pattern for best lawn 8.
appearance. Vary the direction of the stripe each
time the grass is mowed to avoid wear patterns in
the grass.
ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT4.13
The mower deck can be adjusted from a height of 1.0 inch
to 6.0 inches at 1/4-inch intervals. To adjust the cutting
height:
WARNING
DO NOT adjust the cutting height with the mower
blades rotating. Disengage the power to the cutter
blades and then adjust cutting height.
Disengage the power to the cutter blades.
1.
Push the cutting height adjustment foot pedal all 2.
the way forward using your right foot until it locks in
place. See Figure 4-5.
CUTTING
HEIGHT
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
48
1
5
4
3
390S0140-2
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT PEDAL
LANYARD
PIN
Adjusting Cutting HeightFigure 4-5.