Operation
Storage
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
•Never store the unit, with gasoline in the engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.
•Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and careless use could return in serious fire damage to your person or property.
•Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from open flame or sparks.
Before you store your unit for the
•Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, & remove the key.
•Perform engine maintenance and storage measures listed in the engine owner’s manual. This includes draining the fuel system, or adding stabilizer to the fuel (do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed structure - see warning).
•Battery life will be increased if it is removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully charged about once a month. If the battery is left in the unit, disconnect the negative cable.
Before starting the unit after it has been stored:
•Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.
•Perform all recommended checks and procedures found in engine owner’s manual.
•Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes before use.
Mowing
Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Operation section.
1.Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the ground speed control levers are in the NEUTRAL position.
2.Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).
3.Set the throttle to FULL.
4.Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
5.Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations section for tips on mowing patterns and lawn care. See Troubleshooting section for information on troubleshooting common cutting problems.
6.When finished, shut off the PTO.
7.Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE TRACTOR AND ENGINE).
Mowing Recommendations
Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts grass, Following proper mowing recommendations can improve the performance and life of your machine.
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Height of Grass
Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference. Typically, you should mow the grass when it is is between three and five inches high. The proper cutting height range for a specific lawn will depend upon several factors, including the type of grass, the amount of rainfall, the prevailing temperature, and the lawn’s overall condition.
Cutting the grass too short causes weak, thin grass plants, which are easily damaged by dry periods and pests. Cutting too short is often more damaging than allowing the grass to be slightly higher.
Letting grass grow a bit
Cutting off too much at one time shocks the plant’s growth
system and weakens the grass plants. A good rule of thumb is the 1/3 rule: to cut no more than one third of the grass height, and never more than 1 inch at a time.
Figure 14. Incremental Cutting | Figure 15. Proper Cutting Height |
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