Simplicity 5101604 manual Attaching a Trailer, Operation, Proper Mulching, How Much Grass to Mulch

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Proper Mulching

Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.

NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a rumbling sound may be present and is normal.

Mulching Requires EXCELLENT Mowing Conditions

Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more than normal mowing, mulching requires that the grass be dry and the the appropriate amount is cut.

Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the first two or three mowings in the spring. The long grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter conditions are more suitable for broadcasting (side-discharging) or grass bagging operation.

Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting

Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed while mulching should be HALF of the speed that would be used when broadcasting (side discharging) under similar conditions. Since mulching requires more horsepower than broadcasting, using a slower ground speed is vitally important for proper mulching operation.

How Much Grass to Mulch

The best mulching action typically results from cutting only the top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides short clippings which decompose properly (much more quickly than longer clippings). The ideal cutting height will vary with climate, time of year, and quality of your lawn. We recommend that you experiment with both the cutting height and ground speed until you achieve the best cut. Start with a high cutting height and using progressively lower settings until you find a cutting height that is matched to your mowing conditions and preferences.

Figure 16. Mulching Action

Operation

Attaching a Trailer

The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with a appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 17) and clip (B).

Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes. The surface being driven on greatly impacts traction and stability. Wet or slippery surfaces can greatly reduce traction and the ability to stop or turn. Carefully evaluate the surface conditions before operating the unit and trailer, and never operate on slopes greater than 10°. See SLOPE OPERATION and TOWED EQUIPMENT in the safety section of this manual for additional safety information.

A

B

Figure 17. Trailer Weight Recommendations

A.Clevis Pin

B.Clip

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Contents Mfg. No OPERATOR’S MANUALCobalt Series 30HP Zero-Turn RidersDATE PURCHASED Regular Maintenance Table of ContentsOperator Safety Features & ControlsRead the Manual Operator SafetyOperator Safety Operating SafetySlope Operation Thrown ObjectsMoving Parts Roll Bar Use Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and WaterOverhead Obstacles Enclosed Areas Fuel and MaintenanceTransporting and Storage General OperationOperating on steep slopes can be dangerous Towed Equipment Ride-On UnitsEmissions Ignition SystemService and Maintenance Service & MaintenanceSafe Handling of Gasoline Roll Bar Instructions Operational WarningsInspection of the Roll Bar Protective Structure INSPECT BUCKLE LATCH INSPECT WEBBING Inspection and Maintenance of the Roll Bar Seat Belt Safety DecalsNorth American Safety Icons Safety Interlock SystemOperational SAFETY Checks Safety IconsCE Models Features and ControlsFeatures and Controls Identification NumbersParking Brake Deck Lift Pedal, Cutting Height Adjustment Pin & Deck Lift Lock LeverPTO Power Take Off Switch Control FunctionsThrottle Control Ignition SwitchHour Meter / Maintenance Reminder Seat Adjustment LeverChecks Before Starting General Operating SafetyOperation OperationOperation Seat AdjustmentCheck Tire Pressures Pushing the Rider by HandFigure 5. Mowing Height Adjustment A. Cutting Height Adjustment Pin Mowing Height AdjustmentFoot Pedal Adjustment To Adjust Pedal PositionStarting the Engine Stopping the Rider2. NOTE A warm engine may not require choking Figure 7. Move Control Levers Gradually Zero-Turn Driving PracticeBasic Driving Smooth TravelFigure 11. Turning in Place Advanced DrivingPractice Turning Around a Corner Figure 10. Turning Around a CornerStorage Raise and Lower the Roll BarTo Lower the Roll Bar To Raise the Roll BarFigure 14. Proper Cutting Height MowingMowing Recommendations Height of GrassHow Much Grass to Cut Off When Broadcasting Mowing MethodsWhen and How Often to Mow Note Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowingMulching Requires EXCELLENT Mowing Conditions Attaching a TrailerFigure 17. Trailer Weight Recommendations A. Clevis Pin B. Clip Proper MulchingSafety Items Regular MaintenanceRegular Maintenance Maintenance ScheduleInspect Muffler and Spark Arrester Checking / Adding FuelFuel Filter Change Oil & FilterFigure 19. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level A. Hydraulic Oil Reservoir Check Hydraulic Oil LevelChange Hydraulic Oil Filter Change Interval Every 250 Hours Filter Part NumberFigure 21. Deck Lubrication LubricationGrease Lubricating the Front CastersInspecting the Mower Blades Servicing The Mower BladesRemoving the Mower Blade Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharpSharpening the Mower Blade Reinstalling the Mower BladesFigure 31. Tightening the Mower Blade for Installation C. Mower Blade Air Lift Points Up For InstallationCleaning the Battery and Cables Battery ChargingBattery Maintenance NOTE This unit is equipped with a maintenance-free BCIU1 batteryTo Adjust the Handle Placement Ground Speed Control Lever AdjustmentSpeed Balancing Adjustment To Adjust the Handle AlignmentFigure 35. Neutral Adjustment RH side shown A. Adjustment Linkage Rod Neutral AdjustmentReturn-to-Neutral Adjustment Checking the AdjustmentFigure 38. Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement A. Pump Drive Belt Parking Brake AdjustmentHydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Figure 37. Parking Brake Adjustment A. Brake Spring B. Adjustment NutTo adjust the upper mounting position Rear Shocks Suspension AdjustmentTo adjust the spring pre-load Spring loaded components can kick back causing injury9. To adjust the outer lift rod Refer to Figure Deck Lift Rod Timing AdjustmentChecking the Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment 4. To adjust the inner lift rod Refer to FigureNOTE Before adjusting the deck level, the deck lift rod Deck Leveling AdjustmentDeck Lift Spring Regular MaintenanceFigure 47. Mower PTO Belt Routing A. Spindle Pulley B. PTO Drive Belt Mower Belt ReplacementFigure 46. Mower PTO Belt A. Idler Arm B. Stationary Idler Pulley C. 1/2” Breaker Bar D. SpringPROBLEM TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Troubleshooting the RiderBrake will not hold Troubleshooting the Rider continuedTroubleshooting the Mower Rider drive belt slipsStepped Cutting Troubleshooting Common Cutting ProblemsStreaking ScalpingTechnical Manuals SpecificationsSpecifications DIMENSIONSFOLD LINEALONG APPROPRIATE DOTTED ANGLE OF THE SLOPEPage BELTS AND BLADES Product Quick Specs