General Operating Instructions

BEFORE OPERATION

Clear the lawn of all sticks, stones, wire and other debris which may be caught or thrown by the mower blades.

Check grass condition. If wet, wait until later in the day. If grass is wet, the grass catcher is likely to become plugged.

For efficient bagging, air circulation under the mower deck, through the chute and into the bag is very important.

For this reason, BEFORE YOU BEGIN MOWING you should make certain the underside of the mower and the underside of the catcher lid are free from grass and debris.

Make sure that there is a snug fit between mower deck, blower housing, tubes, and grass catcher cover.

MOWING WITH THE DOUBLE / TRIPLE CATCHER

Always operate with throttle at full speed when mowing.

Grass should be cut often, and not too short. If grass is too long or lush it may be necessary to keep ground speed to a minimum or to cut only half the width of the mower to prevent clogging. If grass is long, operate with mower in high cutting position for first pass, cutting again in a lower position on a second pass.

Do not open the cover with mower engaged.

If a large amount of cut grass is spilling out from under deck, the tube may be plugged or the bags may be full— discontinue mowing, stop the rider, disengage the PTO and then empty the catcher or clear the tube.

WARNING

ALWAYS shut off the tractor. disengage the PTO, and allow all moving parts to stop BEFORE disconnecting or clearing tube, or emptying catcher.

Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, stop the engine and remove the key.

To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, rider and mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease. Do not stop or park rider over dry leaves, grass or combustible materials.

AFTER OPERATION

Remove any debris from the the screen on the under- side of the lid. Note: The lid screen can be partially removed for easier cleaning and should be cleaned reg- ularly.

The blower housing and tube should be removed for cleaning.

Inspect the grass bags for wear or damage. Make sure that there is a snug fit between mower deck, blower housing, tubes, and grass catcher cover.

STORING THE GRASS CATCHER

Clean the grass catcher thoroughly using a mild deter- gent (other products may damage the tube). Remove any debris from the the screen on the underside of the lid. The screen can be partially removed for easier cleaning.

If paint has been scratched on metal parts, touch up with paint, or apply a thin film of oil to prevent corrosion.

Store in a dry area. Hang the catcher and catcher bags to dry thoroughly before storing for a long period of time.

Always store away from moisture.

MOWING WITHOUT THE BLOWER

For operation without the blower, the deflector must be properly installed in the down position and retained by the spring latch (Derby models only).

To remove the blower, reverse the installation steps.