Operating Instructions

General Information

The Grass Handling System (GHS) consists of a rear discharge mower deck connected to a 10 in. (25 cm) blower and a rear mounted grass catcher with 6.7 bushel (238 liters) capacity or optional 9.5 bushel (335 liters) capacity. The GHS blower operates any time the mower blade clutch is engaged and moves grass through the rear discharge deck chute into the grass catcher. Blower airflow is exhausted out the back of the grass catcher, through a filtering screen. When the grass catcher is full and needs to be emptied, a “full” signal horn alerts the operator. When the “full” signal horn sounds, it is important to stop mowing to prevent overfilling and clogging of the blower system.

IMPORTANT: Normally, the GHS blower operates with no maintenance or cleaning required. How- ever, under certain operating conditions, the inside of the blower housing may accumulate a deposit of dirt, causing wear and binding of the blower wheel. Normally, dirt buildup occurs when mowing a combination of dirty and damp grass, especially in the springtime. When operating in these condi- tions, check the blower wheel frequently for binding and clean the blower housing as required. Refer to CLEANING the GHS Blower in Maintenance Instructions.

NOTE: In Autumn, when using the GHS mower to vacuum leaves, it is recommended to raise the front of the mower deck 2 to 3 notches [1 to 1-1/2 in. (25 to 38 mm)] higher than the rear. This will avoid “bulldozing” leaves, particularly when the leaves are piled in a thick layer. To make this ad- justment, the hitch pins in the two (2) front deck support pins are repositioned 2 to 3 notches higher while leaving the rear pins in their original position.

DANGER

NEVER operate the GHS catcher with the back door open. Objects may be thrown out the back of the catcher with sufficient force to cause serious injury to bystanders or property damage.

NOTE: When a side discharge or mulching mower deck is installed on the GHS model, a blower intake cover should be installed in the blower intake tube. This cover “unloads” the blower and seals the intake to effectively eliminate power loss and blower noise when the blower is not being used.

Blower

Intake Cover

Blower Intake Cover

DANGER

ROTATING BLOWER BLADES

NEVER operate the GHS blower with the blower discharge chute uncovered (grass catcher in the dump position) since dangerous projectiles may be thrown. NEVER put hands into the blower discharge chute for any reason. Use a stick or similar instrument to remove any material if clogging has occurred.

CAUTION

NEVER leave grass clippings in the grass catcher after mowing. Damp clippings generate heat as they decompose. This MAY cause spontaneous combustion.

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