Deck Cutting Height Adjustment; Mower Deck Operation; Operating Suggestions; Moving Unit With Stalled Engine - HUSTLER TrimStar Geardrive Owner's Manual

stop within a few seconds.
4. Place the transmission shift lever in the neutral
position and the blade engagement lever in the
disengaged (rear) position. The engine should
continue to run without the operator presence
control switches engaged.
5. If the engine fails to stop when the blade engagement
lever is in the engaged (forward) position or the
transmission shift lever either in the forward or reverse
position and both operator presence control levers are
released, check the function of the operator presence
control switch. If this switch is not operating properly
(not opening or closing) contact your Authorized
Hustler Dealer.
WARNING: The safety interlock system should
always function per steps 3 and 4. If it does not
function properly, it should be corrected
immediately. Do not operate machine without
properly functioning operator presence control
switches.

Moving unit with stalled engine

If it becomes necessary to move the unit when the engine
is inoperative, place the transmission shift lever in the
neutral position.
Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch
to load on a trailer for transporting.
When transporting on another vehicle, the unit must be
tied down to the transporting vehicle.

Steering the unit

DANGER: Never make sudden stops or reverse
direction, especially when operating on a slope.
The steering is designed for sensitive response.
After starting engine, shift the transmission to the desired
gear (1 thru 4) for mowing, 5th gear is for transporting only,
move thumb latches to the engaged position and steer as
follows:
To go forward, squeeze the drive levers and push forward
on the thumb latches to unlock the levers. Slowly release
drive levers to engage the drive wheels.
To turn left, squeeze the left drive lever.
To turn right, squeeze the right drive lever.
To go in reverse, shift the transmission to the reverse
position.
To stop, squeeze both drive levers, lock thumb latches
and shift the transmission to neutral.
DANGER: Release drive levers slowly and
avoid sudden movement. Any sudden movement
could cause the front of the mower to come off of
the ground resulting in possible loss of control.
To increase speed, shift the transmission to the next
highest gear. NOTE: Fifth gear is for transporting the
102780 6/05
machine only. NOTE: The operator must disengage clutch
before shifting gears.

Deck cutting height adjustment

Deck height is adjustable from 1-1/2" to 4-1/2" (3.81 cm
- 11.43 cm) in 1/4" increments. Refer to Fig. 3-6.
Rear deck mount in the highest position
(5) spacers on top of caster arm = 1 7/8" to 3 1/8"
(4) spacers on top of caster arm = 2 1/8" to 3 3/8"
(3) spacers on top of caster arm = 2 1/2" to 3 3/4"
(2) spacers on top of caster arm = 2 5/8" to 3 7/8"
(1) spacer on top of caster arm = 2 7/8" to 4 1/8"
All spacers under caster arm
Rear deck mount in the lowest position
(5) spacers on top of caster arm = 1 1/2" to 2 3/4"
(4) spacers on top of caster arm = 1 3/4" to 3"
(3) spacers on top of caster arm = 2" to 3 1/4"
(2) spacers on top of caster arm = 2 3/8" to 3 3/8"
(1) spacer on top of caster arm
All spacers under caster arm
NOTE: Use 1/4" blade spacers to achieve cutting height
between the above measurements.
NOTE: For better mowing results, adjust the mowing
height so that the blades are level front to back or slightly
higher in the back.

Mower deck operation

DANGER:
adjustments to the mower deck while the engine
is running or with the deck drive engaged.
Mower blades cannot be seen and are located
very close to deck housing. Fingers and toes can
be cut off instantly.
With the engine running at 1/3 - 1/2 throttle, engage the
blade engagement lever (Fig. 3-4) and advance engine
throttle to full rpm.
NOTE: Engaging the blades at high engine rpm or when
under heavy load (in tall grass for example) can cause belts
to slip, resulting in premature wear or possible damage.

Operating suggestions

DANGER: Prior to operating the unit the
operator should be thoroughly familiar with the
proper use and operation of the equipment,
should have read the manual completely and
thoroughly, and should have attempted slow
moving maneuvers to become familiar with the
operation of the equipment before attempting
normal speed operation. An untrained and
inexperienced operator should not mow on
slopes or on uneven terrain.
3-3
= 3 1/4" to 4 1/2"
= 2 5/8" to 3 7/8"
= 2 7/8" to 4 1/8"
Never attempt to make any