Ferris Industries IS1500Z, 5900607, 5900606, 5900605 manual Attaching a Trailer, Proper Mulching

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Operation

Operation

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.

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 12) 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 12. Trailer Weight Recommendations

A.Clevis Pin

B.Clip

Figure 11. Mulching Action

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Contents Description Model NumberFerris Industries Date Purchased Table of Contents Operating Safety Safety Rules & InformationSlope Operation Roll Bar Use Fuel and Maintenance Operation TrainingPreparation Slope Operation Towed Equipment RIDE-ON UnitsChildren EmissionsService and Maintenance Maintenance and StorageSafe Handling of Gasoline Roll BAR Instructions Operational WarningsInspection and Maintenance of the Roll BAR Seat Belt Identification Numbers IdentificationSafety Decals Safety DecalsSafety Interlock System North American Safety IconsOperational Safety Checks Features & Controls Seat Adjustment LeverIgnition Switch Control FunctionsPTO Power Take Off Switch Hour Meter / Maintenance ReminderParking Brake Throttle ControlGeneral Operating Safety OperationChecks Before Starting Starting the Engine Stopping the RiderPushing the Rider by Hand Zero Turn Driving Practice Smooth TravelForward Travel Practice Reverse Travel PracticePractice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place Executing an End-Of-Row Zero TurnMowing Mowing RecommendationsHeight of Grass Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingWhen and How Often to Mow Mowing MethodsMowing Patterns Proper Broadcast MowingAttaching a Trailer Proper MulchingRaise & Lower the Roll BAR To lower the roll barTo raise the roll bar Keep roll bar in the raised position and use seat beltStorage Starting After Long Term StorageTemporary Storage 30 Days Or Less Long Term Storage Longer Than 30 DaysSafety Items Rider MaintenanceEngine Maintenance Check Tire PressuresRegular Maintenance Engine MaintenanceChecking / Adding Fuel Fuel FilterLubrication GreaseOil Battery Maintenance Cleaning the Battery and CablesCheck Hydraulic OIL Level Change Hydraulic OIL FilterServicing the Mower Blades Removing the BladeTroubleshooting Troubleshooting the RiderTroubleshooting, Adjustment & Service Troubleshooting the MowerTroubleshooting, Adjustment & Service Troubleshooting Common Cutting ProblemsSeat Adjustment Ground Speed Control Lever AdjustmentSpeed Balancing Adjustment Parking Brake Adjustment Parking Brake Adjustment Brake Spring Adjustment NutRear Suspension Adjustment To adjust the spring pre-loadTo adjust the upper mounting position PTO Clutch Adjustment Blade Brake CheckRETURN-TO-NEUTRAL Adjustment Neutral AdjustmentMowing Height Adjustment Foot Pedal AdjustmentTo adjust pedal position Deck Leveling Adjustment Check Lift Rod TimingHydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Mower Belt Replacement Mower PTO Belt Idler Arm Stationary Idler PulleyBattery Service Checking Battery VoltageCharging a Completely Discharged Battery Jump Starting With Auxiliary Booster BatteryThis HOOK-UP for Negative Ground Vehicles Make Certain Vehicles do not TouchSpecifications DimensionsEngine ChassisFerris Limited Warranty Belts and Blades TractorMower Deck