Ferris Industries 5900635, 5900645, 5900636 Pushing The Mower By Hand, Operation, Proper Mulching

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.

PUSHING THE MOWER BY HAND

DO NOT TOW MACHINE

Towing the machine will cause hydraulic transaxle damage. Do not use another vehicle to push or pull this unit.

1.Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition OFF, and remove the key.

2.To disengage the transmissions (free-wheel position), lift the hydraulic release levers (A, Figure 9) located in front of the gas tank. Lock into position shown in Figure 9.

3.Disengage the parking brake.

The mower can now be pushed by hand.

4.After moving the mower, re-engage the transmissions (drive position) by unlocking the levers and returning them to the down position. If the levers are not completely down, a partial by-pass may potentially damage the transmissions.

A

Figure 9. Hydraulic System By-Pass

A. Hydraulic Release Levers

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