Pushing The Rider By Hand - Ferris 5900832 Operator's Manual

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Where possible, make one or two passes around the outside of
the area discharging the grass INTO the lawn to keep the cut
grass off fences and walks.
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The remainder of the mowing should be done in the opposite
direction so that the clippings are dispersed OUT onto the area
of lawn previously cut.
Mowing Methods
Broadcast Mowing
Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clippings evenly
over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use this method. Your
mower has a deep dish deck to allow freer circulation of clippings
so they are broadcast evenly over the lawn.
Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting:
Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing. If you
hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too fast—using
a slower ground speed will improve the cutting efficiency of the
blades and prevents many common cutting problems.
ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness
and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or slower for
manual gear models). If you hear the engine slowing down you
are mowing too fast, use a slower ground speed.
How Much Grass to Cut Off When Broadcasting:
Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the grass
shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more that 1 inch of
grass in a single pass.
Mulching
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Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and re-cuts
clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down
INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into
by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS,
your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings
on the lawn surface.
NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a
rumbling sound may be present and is normal.
Mulching Requires EXCELLENT Mowing Conditions:
Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is wet, or
if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more than normal
mowing, mulching requires that the grass be dry and the
appropriate amount is cut.
Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the first two
or three mowings in the spring. The long grass blades, quick
growth, and often wetter conditions are more suitable for
broadcasting (side-discharging) or grass bagging operation.
Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Mulching:
Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so
that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed while mulching
should be HALF of the speed that would be used when
broadcasting (side discharging) under similar conditions. Since
mulching requires more horsepower than broadcasting, using a
slower ground speed is vitally important for proper mulching
operation.
How Much Grass to Mulch:
The best mulching action typically results from cutting only the
top ½ inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides short
clippings which decompose properly (much more quickly than
longer clippings). The ideal cutting height will vary with climate,
time of year, and quality of your lawn. We recommend that you
experiment with both the cutting height and ground speed until
you achieve the best cut. Start with a high cutting height and
using progressively lower settings until you find a cutting height
that is matched to your mowing conditions and preferences.

Pushing the Rider By Hand

NOTICE
Do not tow rider.
Towing the unit will cause hydraulic pump and wheel motor
damage. Do not use another vehicle to push or pull this unit.
1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn the
ignition OFF, and remove the key.
2. Lift the seat plate to gain access to the hydraulic pumps.
3. To disengage the pumps (free-wheel position), turn the
hydraulic release valves (A, Figure 15) located on the pumps
counter-clockwise a maximum of two full turns.
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