Gravely Pro-Ride 254 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 23

Uneven Terrain
WARNING: To avoid the loss of
control and to prevent overturning
the mower, always across slopes,
never up and down.
Pass diagonally through sharp
dips. Avoid sharp drop offs
completely to prevent the mower
from becoming hung up.
Keep the power unit steering
control levers forward when going
downhill.
Pre-plan mowing over uneven terrain so the
grass will be dry, minimizing wheel slippage
and spinning, which will damage the turf.
Before mowing, check the area to determine
the best procedure. Consider the grass type
and height, and the type of uneven terrain on
which the mowing is to take place.
Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling
up or down incline, and slow the ground
speed while turning.
Grass Discharge
WARNING: NEVER operate the
mower with the discharge shield
in the raised position.
The mower deck has been designed to
provide maximum air flow for an even
discharge of grass clippings. When mowing
tall, or lush grasses, select a lower mower
ground speed, or reduce the width of cut, for
the best discharge efficiency.
For the best lawn appearance, do not mow
when the grass is wet or heavy with dew. Wet
grass could plug the discharge area of the
mower, create an unnatural load on the
blades and spindles, and damage the mower
deck belt. Wet grass will also leave unsightly
clumps on the lawn.
If the mower deck becomes clogged, back
the unit out of the uncut grass. If the mower
will not clear itself, raise the deck, shut off the
engine, set the brake, remove the ignition key
and clean the bottom of the deck.
In medium and heavy cutting conditions, mow
so the discharged clippings will be AWAY
from the uncut grass. In light cutting,
discharged clippings can be directed onto the
uncut grass, allowing them to be recut finer.
Tips For Efficient Mowing
CAUTION: Clear the area of
people, pets, and all visible
debris before beginning mowing
operations.
Mowing blades should be checked regularly
and kept sharp to ensure the best lawn
appearance.
Best results occur normally when the grass is
maintained at a height of 2–3 inches (50–
80mm). It is best to cut the grass often and
not too short. To keep a healthy green lawn,
do not cut more than 1/3 of the overall grass
blade height.
Mower engine speed while mowing should be
at the maximum rated RPM. This will ensure
proper blade speed for effective cutting and
discharge of grass clippings.
Travel speed greatly affects mowing
performance. Always use a lower ground
speed for slower mowing, rather than
lowering the engine RPM.
Mow often. Do not wait for the grass to get
too tall. Short grass clippings will disperse
better and deteriorate faster.
Mowing areas with tall grass or weeds may
require cutting at maximum height of cut.
After mowing once, recut the entire area with
the mower reset to the desired final height of
cut.
PARKING
To park the unit:
1. Bring the steering levers to neutral and
then push them out to the park position.
2. Turn off the PTO, stop the engine, lower
the deck to the ground and remove the
ignition key.
IMPORTANT: When parking on any slope, be
sure to chock the wheels on the downhill side
to prevent the unit from sliding.
Moving the Unit with the Engine Off
If the mower engine stalls and will not restart,
the unit can be pushed or towed for short
distances with the pump bypass valves open.
Do not exceed 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h) when
towing.
IMPORTANT: The bypass valves must be
opened two full turns (maximum) before the
unit is moved (see figure 14). Be sure the
bypass valves are closed before running the
mower again. Failure to fully close the bypass
valves before operation could result in
hydraulic system damage.
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