Deck Cutting Height Adjustment; Air Flow Baffles - HUSTLER ATZ Operator's Manual

WARNING
Never direct the discharge of material from the mower
deck toward bystanders. Do not operate the mower with-
out either the discharge chute or the entire grass collec-
tion system in place. Figure 3-11
Discharge
chute
Figure 3-11
DANGER
Never attempt to make any adjustments to the mower
deck while the engine is running or with the deck drive
clutch engaged. Mower blades cannot be seen and are
located very close to deck housing. Fingers and toes can
be cut off instantly.
Deck clutch operation
Before beginning operation, check to make sure the deck
clutch switch is engaging and disengaging the blades
properly.
WARNING
Make sure that the area around and under the deck is clear
and that there are no bystanders in the immediate area
before proceeding.
To check the deck clutch switch:
1. Start the engine and engage the deck clutch.
2. With the deck clutch switch up (clutch engaged) and the
engine running, listen to confirm that the mower blades
are rotating.
3. Now, push the deck clutch switch down (clutch
disengaged), and with the engine running, listen to
confirm that the blades have stopped rotating.
4. If the mower blades continue to rotate with the deck
clutch switch down, discontinue operation immediately
and contact your Hustler
604243
NOTE: Discharge chute may
vary from this illustration
Dealer.
®
Clutch life will be maximized if these procedures are
followed.
1. Engage the clutch only when the throttle is set at
approximately 2/3 throttle and there is no load on the
blades. After clutch engagement, advance the engine
throttle to full rpm.
Engaging the deck clutch at high engine rpm or when
under heavy load (in tall grass, for example) can cause
belts and/or electric clutch to slip, resulting in premature
wear or possible damage.
2. Disengage the clutch only when the throttle is set at less
than 1/2 throttle.
Never disengage the clutch with the engine running at
high rpm. Setting the throttle to less than 1/2 throttle
when disengaging the clutch will help extend clutch life.
Warranty will not be allowed for deck clutches that fail due
to improper engagement and disengagement practices.

Deck Cutting Height Adjustment

Deck cutting height is adjustable in 1/4" (6.4mm) increments.
The holes in the height adjusting bar are spaced at 1/2"
(12.7mm) intervals. By turning the height adjusting stop around,
1/4" (6.4mm) increments can be attained due to the 1/4"
(6.4mm) plate that is part of the stop. Figure 3-12
EXAMPLE: When the height adjusting stop is placed in the
3" (76.2mm) hole, with the 1/4" (6.4mm) plate facing to the
front of the unit, the cutting height is at 3" (76.2mm). When the
height adjusting stop is placed in the 3" (76.2mm) hole, with
the 1/4" (6.4mm) plate on the operator's side of the hole, the
cutting height is at 3-1/4" (82.6mm).
The notch located at the rear of the height adjusting bar
engages the stop handle when the deck lift pedal is fully
depressed. This sets the deck in transport mode.
Transport lever
Pin
Cutting height holes

Air Flow Baffles

The decks are equipped with front adjustable air flow baffles.
3-11
Figure 3-12
REV C