HUSTLER Z Diesel Operator's Manual page 30

Never work with blades while the engine is running
or deck clutch switch is engaged (on).
Always place the deck clutch switch in the
disengaged position, place steering control levers
in the park brake position, turn the engine off and
disconnect 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
during mowing!
Side Discharge Deck – 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.
Side Discharge Decks – Never direct the discharge
of material from
bystanders.
• Never operate the mower deck with the
discharge chute damaged, altered, removed,
or in the raised position, except when the
entire grass catcher attachment or mulching
system is being used. Figure 3-17
REV J
the mower deck toward
Discharge chute may vary from this illustration
A
A. Discharge chute
Rear Discharge Decks – Never direct the discharge
of material
bystanders. Do not operate the mower without the
rear discharge rubber flaps or power unit deflector
in place. Figure 3-18
A
A. Rubber flaps
3-10
Figure 3-17
from the mower deck
B
B. Deflector guard
Figure 3-18
toward
A
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