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Operating Instructions
47
Clogging Checklist
In case of clogging, there will be a distinct change
in the sound of the blower, i.e., the blower sound
will stop. Also, the mower deck will begin to leave a
trail of grass clippings. When this occurs, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wires, and make
sure all movement has stopped before attempt-
ing to unclog.
Normally, any clogging will first develop at the back
of the mower deck in the discharge opening into the
blower chute. Clogging at this point does not indi-
cate a particular problem in this part of the
system, but is a symptom of something restrict-
ing the flow of material throughout the entire
system. The following list of items should be
checked if a pattern of clogging begins to develop.
All of these items are capable of causing clogging at
the back of the deck.
• Check to see if the RH and LH mower blades are
installed for the correct rotation - install blades so
the cutting edges move toward each other.
Blade Rotation for GHS Mower Deck
(view from underneath)
• Check the amount of flat section remaining at
blade tip. This is the area that is ground away (re-
moved) when the blades are sharpened. If too much
of the flat section is removed, the “air lift” perfor-
mance or “shovel” effect of the blade deteriorates to
the point that discharge of grass clippings into the
blower chute is marginal. Replace cutter blades if
less than 3/4 in. (19 mm) flat section remains at the
blade tip.
• Check that the interior of the deck housing and
baffling is reasonably clean and free of grass and
dirt buildup. While some degree of material buildup
can be tolerated, a point is finally reached where the
flow of air and grass clippings is restricted.
NOTE: One condition that quickly causes a
buildup of material in the deck housing is mowing
grass and/or weeds which are “juicy.” The material
collects under the deck with sticky, green juice. Clo-
ver and weeds are especially a problem. The mow-
er deck will need to be cleaned frequently when op-
erating in these conditions.
• Check the deck cutting height setting. When
working in thick, tall grass, lower deck settings
[1 to 2 in. (25 to 51 mm) cutting heights] tend to
restrict airflow from moving into and under the
deck. Raising the deck cutting height will signifi-
cantly increase airflow and reduce clogging when
working in thick, tall grass.
• Check the interior of the chute connecting the
mower deck to the blower for smoothness and
freedom from obstruction.
• Check the blower wheel for bent blades and
excessive clearance between the blade tip and the
blower housing. A clearance greater than 1/8 in.
(3 mm) will cause a significant loss of blower
performance.
• Check the blower discharge chute into the grass
catcher for smoothness and freedom from ob-
struction.
• Check the elbow inside the grass catcher for a
buildup of material in the radius of the elbow. In
certain conditions (damp/dirty grass) a considera-
ble “clump” of material can accumulate at this point,
greatly restricting material and airflow.
DANGER
NEVER place hands under the mower deck
or in the GHS blower discharge chute. Use
a stick or similar tool to remove any
clogged material.
FORWARD
Blades Must Operate at
Right Angles (90 Degrees)
Mounting Nut
Torque = 60 ft-lb
(81.3 N
⋅m)
Rear Discharge
Chute