Operating Suggestions - HUSTLER Raptor SD Operator's Manual

Operating Suggestions

An inexperienced operator should not mow on
slopes or on uneven terrain.
Before attempting normal speed operation an inex-
perienced operator should:
• be thoroughly familiar with the proper use
and operation of the equipment.
• read the manual completely and thoroughly.
• have attempted slow moving maneuvers.
If you lose steering control while operating the
machine, place the steering control levers in the park
brake position immediately. Inspect the machine and
involve your Hustler
before continuing to operate.
The unit's steering control levers are very respon-
sive: Easy does it! For smooth operation, move the
levers slowly, avoiding sudden movement. Skill
and ease of operation come with practice and
experience. The machine can spin very rapidly.
Use caution when making turns and slow down
before making sharp turns.
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer
and lose control. Practice slow maneuvers at low engine rpm
(idle) on a flat open area before attempting normal speed
operation.
Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as
gutters or curbs)
approached at high speed in an attempt to "jump"
them as the operator could be thrown from the
equipment. Approach at a slow speed and angle
one drive wheel at the obstruction. Continue at an
angle until the wheel clears and then pivot the
opposite wheel around.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling
either forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel
can damage turf, especially when mowing.
Set the throttle at full rpm for maximum performance. This
gives maximum power to the drive wheels and deck when
needed. The throttle setting directly controls blade speed.
Use the control levers to control ground speed rather than
engine rpm.
Keep blades sharp. Many problems with incorrect cutting
patterns are due to dull blades or blades which have been
sharpened incorrectly. Information on sharpening blades is
listed in this manual's maintenance section. Blade sharpness
should be checked daily.
REV J
Dealer to resolve the problem
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should not be directly
Never work with blades while the engine is running
or deck clutch switch is engaged (on).
Always place the deck clutch switch in the disen-
gaged position, place steering control levers in the
park brake position, turn the engine off and discon-
nect the negative battery cable.
Block the mower up when you must work under it.
Wear gloves when handling blades.
Always check for blade damage if the mower
strikes a rock, branch or other foreign object dur-
ing mowing!
Direct grass discharge to the right, away from the
unmowed area. Generally, this means using a pattern of left
turns. Avoid throwing grass discharge onto unmowed area.
Mowing clippings puts an unnecessary load on the unit and
reduces mowing efficiency.
When mowing a lawn for the first time cut grass slightly
longer than normal to avoid scalping uneven terrain. When
cutting grass taller than six inches, you may want to mow the
lawn twice to achieve a better quality of cut.
During normal mowing cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade.
Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass growing
straight and for better dispersion of the clippings.
Remember, grass grows at different rates at different
times of the year. Mow more often in the early spring to
maintain the same cutting height. As the growth rate slows
in midsummer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow at a
regular interval, mow at a high cutting height; then mow
again two days later at a lower cutting height.
Raise the cutting height of the mower if the cutting width
of the mower is wider than the previous mower. This ensures
that uneven turf is not cut too short.
Raise the cutting height of the mower if the grass is
slightly taller than normal or if it contains a high degree of
moisture. Then mow it again with the cutting height set
lower.
If the machine's forward motion must be stopped while
mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn.
To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the
blades engaged.
Never direct the discharge of material from the
mower deck toward bystanders.
• Never operate the mower deck with the dis-
charge chute damaged, altered, removed, or
in the raised position, except when the entire
grass catcher attachment or mulching sys-
tem is being used. Figure 3-9
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