Mowing Tips; Operating Onhills - Craftsman Z7400 Operator's Manual

Mowing Tips
o Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects to avoid
collisions.
o Begin with a high cutting height and reduce it until the
desired mowing result is attained. The average lawn should
be cut to 64 mm during the cool season and over 76 mm
during the hot months. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often after moderate growth. For best cutting
performance, grass over 15 cm in height should be mowed
twice. Make the first cut relatively high, the second to the
desired height.
o The mowing result will be best with a high engine speed
(blades rotate rapidly) and low speed (rider moves slowly).
If the grass is not too long and dense, the driving speed
can be increased without negatively affecting the mowing
result.
o The finest lawns are obtained by mowing often. The lawn
becomes more even and the grass clippings more evenly
distributed over the mown area. The total time taken is not
increased as a higher operating speed can be used without
poor mowing results.
o Avoid mowing wet lawns. The mowing result is poorer
because the wheels sink into the soft lawn, clumps build,
and grass clippings fasten under the cowling.
o Hose the mower deck underside with water after each use.
When cleaning, the mower deck shall be raised into the
transport position. Make sure the mower is cooled and the
engine is off.
• Use compressed air to clean top surface of the deck.
Avoid flooding water on top surface, engine and electrical
components.
o When the mulching kit is used, it is important that the
mowing interval is frequent and the deck is cleaned more
often.
Operating on Hills
Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes in the Safety
Instructions,
1. Use the slowest speed possible before starting up or
down hills.
2. Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
3. If stopping is absolutely necessary, pull drive levers into
the neutral position and push to the outside of the unit and
engage the park brake.
4. To restart movement, release the park brake.
5. Pull the control levers back to the center of the mower and
press forward to regain forward motion.
6. Make all turns slowly.
_ WARNING! Clear the lawn of stones and other
objects that can be thrown out by the blades.
_IL WARNING! Never drive the rider on terrain that
slopes more than 10 degrees. Mow slopes up and down,
never side to side. Avoid sudden directional changes.