Operating Instructions
Clogging Checklist
In case of clogging, there will be a distinct change in the sound of the blower, i.e., the blower sound will stop. Also, the mower deck will begin to leave a trail of grass clippings. When this occurs, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wires, and make sure all movement has stopped before attempt ing to unclog.
DANGER
NEVER place hands under the mower deck or in the GHS blower discharge chute. Use a stick or similar tool to remove any clogged material.
Normally, any clogging will first develop at the back of the mower deck in the discharge opening into the blower chute. Clogging at this point does not indi cate a particular problem in this part of the sys- tem, but is a symptom of something restricting the flow of material throughout the entire system. The following list of items should be checked if a pattern of clogging begins to develop. All of these items are capable of causing clogging at the back of the deck.
•Check to see if the RH and LH mower blades are installed for the correct rotation - install blades so the cutting edges move toward each other.
Blades Must Operate at
Right Angles (90 Degrees)
FORWARD
Mounting Nut
Torque = 60 lb·ft
Rear Discharge(81 N·m) Chute
Blade Rotation for GHS Mower Deck
(View from Underneath)
•Check the amount of flat section remaining at blade tip. This is the area that is ground away (re moved) when the blades are sharpened. If too much of the flat section is removed, the “air lift” perfor- mance or “shovel” effect of the blade deteriorates to the point that discharge of grass clippings into the blower chute is marginal. Replace cutter blades if less than 3/4 in. (19 mm) flat section remains at the blade tip.
•Check that the interior of the deck housing and baffling is reasonably clean and free of grass and dirt buildup. While some degree of material buildup can be tolerated, a point is finally reached where the flow of air and grass clippings is restricted.
NOTE: One condition that quickly causes a buildup of material in the deck housing is mowing grass and/ or weeds which are “juicy.” The material collects under the deck with sticky, green juice. Clover and weeds are especially a problem. The mower deck will need to be cleaned frequently when operating in these conditions.
•Check the deck cutting height setting. When working in thick, tall grass, lower deck settings [1 to 2 in. (25 to 51 mm) cutting heights] tend to restrict airflow from moving into and under the deck. Raising the deck cutting height will significantly increase airflow and reduce clogging when working in thick, tall grass.
•Check the interior of the chute connecting the mower deck to the blower for smoothness and freedom from obstruction.
•Check the blower wheel for bent blades and excessive clearance between the blade tip and the blower housing. A clearance greater than 1/8 in. (3 mm) will cause a significant loss of blower performance.
•Check the blower discharge chute into the grass catcher for smoothness and freedom from ob struction.
•Check the elbow inside the grass catcher for a buildup of material in the radius of the elbow. In certain conditions (damp/dirty grass) a considerable “clump” of material can accumulate at this point, greatly restricting material and airflow.
•Check that the openings in the removable air exhaust screen in the grass catcher are not plugged. If the screen is clogged, refer to Cleaning the GHS Exhaust Screen in this section.
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