Removing Clogged Material; Moving Mower With Engine Stopped; Recommendations For Mowing; Adjusting Cutting Height - Scag Power Equipment Patriot SPZ52H-22FX Operator's Manual

Section 4

4.11 REMOVING CLOGGED MATERIAL

DANGER
ROTATING BLADES
NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS INTO THE DISCHARGE
CHUTE FOR ANY REASON!
Shut off the engine and remove the key and
only then use a stick or similar object to remove
material if clogging has occurred.
1. If the discharge chute becomes clogged, shut off
the engine and remove the ignition key. Using a
stick or similar item, dislodge the clogged material.
Then resume normal mowing.
4.12 MOVING MOWER WITH ENGINE
STOPPED
To "free-wheel" or move the mower around without
the engine running, place the dump valve levers in
the FREE-WHEEL position. See Figure 4-4, page 14.
Disengage the parking brake and move the mower by
hand. When the machine is in the desired position,
engage the parking brake and place the dump valve
levers in the DRIVE position. The dump valve levers must
be returned to the DRIVE position to drive the mower.

4.13 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING

1. Do not mow with dull blades. A dull blade will tear
grass, resulting in poor lawn appearance and
reduced mowing power.
WARNING
DO NOT operate without Discharge Chute,
Mulching Kit, or entire Grass Catcher properly
installed.
2. The discharge chute must not be removed and
must be kept in the lowest position to deflect grass
clippings and thrown objects downward. Direct the side
discharge away from sidewalks or streets to minimize
cleanup of clippings. When mowing close to obstacles,
direct the discharge away from the obstacles to reduce
the chance of property damage by thrown objects.
3. Cut grass when it is dry and not too tall. Do not cut
grass too short (cut off 1/3 or less of existing grass for
best appearance). Mow frequently.
4. Keep mower and discharge chute clean.
5. When mowing wet or tall grass, mow the grass twice.
Raise the mower to the highest setting for the first pass
and then make a second pass to the desired height.
6. Use a slow travel speed for trimming purposes.
7. Operate the engine at full throttle for best cutting.
Mowing with a lower RPM causes the mower to tear
the grass. The engine is designed to be operated at full
speed.
8. Use the alternate stripe pattern for best lawn
appearance. Vary the direction of the stripe each time
the grass is mowed to avoid wear patterns in the grass.

4.14 ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT

The mower deck can be adjusted from a height of 1 inch to
4-1/2 inches at 1/4-inch intervals. To adjust the cutting height:
WARNING
DO NOT adjust the cutting height with the mower
blades rotating. Disengage the power to the cutter
blades and then adjust cutting height.
1. Disengage the power to the cutter blades.
2. Push the cutting height adjustment foot pedal all the
way forward using your right foot until it locks in place.
See Figure 4-6.
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