Troy-Bilt FLEX Operator's Manual page 7

3. Tip the FLEX™ Power Base backwards to
engage the two bottom connection points (2
and 3 of Figure 4-3).
Note: The operator will be able to hear the
lower mounts engage and lock (latching
sound) when coupled properly. To test if
coupled properly, lift up on the handles. If
the unit comes apart, the connection was not
made. Ensure that the kickstand is still in the
UP position, and swiftly tip the FLEX™ Power
Base backward with the top mount engaged.
2
1
3
Figure 4-3
Disconnecting from the FLEX™ Power Base
1. The kickstand acts only as a locking device
for the attachment to the FLEX™ Power Base.
The only time the operator would need
to deploy the kickstand once connected
to an attachment would be in the case of
uncoupling the FLEX™ Power Base from the
attachment.
Dethatching
Warning! Spring tines may be sharp.
Keep hands and feet away from spring
tines.
The following information will be helpful when
operating your dethatcher.
1. Grass should be mowed before dethatching.
The dethatcher will work best in grass no
taller than 3".
2. Grass should be dethatched when it is dry. It
is best not to dethatch grass during a season's
peak growth.
NOTE: The FLEX™ dethatcher attachment does not
utilize the attachment control lever. Do not operate
the attachment control lever.
Engaging the Drive
1. Start the engine as instructed in the FLEX™
Power Base Operator's Manual.
2. To travel FORWARD, slowly squeeze the drive
control lever against the handle grip and the
unit will move forward. Release it and drive
motion will stop.
3. Operate the dethatcher at a consistent speed
(approximately 3 mph is recommended).
Warning! If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine and remove the ignition
key. Thoroughly inspect the machine for
any damage. Repair any damage before
restarting and operating equipment.
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
Adjusting Dethatcher Height
The front wheels can be adjusted to change the
depth of dethatching. The proper dethatcher height
setting will allow the dethatcher to flex backward
and spring forward while driving. See Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4
To raise or lower the dethatcher tines follow these
guidelines:
NOTE: It is recommended that adjustments
be made starting from the top of the
dethatcher's height settings working down,
and that adjustments be made one setting at
a time and promptly tested for performance
results.
1. Remove the axle bolts (a) and wing nuts (b)
securing both the right and left wheels.
See Figure 4-5.
(b)
(a)
Figure 4-5
2. To raise the dethatcher, align the center holes
of both wheels with a hole lower on the axle.
See Figure 4-5.
3. To lower the dethatcher, align the center
holes of both wheels with a hole higher on
the axle. See Figure 4-5.
4. Secure the wheels in place with the axle bolts
and wing nuts removed in step 1. Ensure
that the height setting used on each side
is level, coinciding with the opposite side.
See Figure 4-5.
Operating on Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 5 of the Safe
Operation Practices section to determine how to
properly operate the dethatcher on slopes.
• Dethatch across the face of slopes; never up
and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or
bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall
can cause serious personal injury. Be sure you
can control the machine.
• Do not dethatch near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments, you could lose your balance
or footing.
• Do not dethatch on wet grass. Unstable
footing could cause slipping.
(a)
(b)
S 4 — c
ection
WARNING! Do not dethatch on
inclines with a slope in excess of 10° (a
rise of approximately 2 feet every 10
feet). The unit could overturn and
cause serious injury.
& o
ontrolS peration
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