Operating instructions

DR
®
ALL-TERRAIN
™
MOWER Assembly, Installation & Maintenance Instructions for the 42" Lawn Mower Deck 11
Adjusting the Cutting Height
You can adjust the cutting height of the mower in 1/2" increments by
moving the lever on the side of the deck (Figure 16).
Mowing Tips for Best Performance
Turns
• Use a low gear when turning. This will give you better control and a
cleaner cut.
Slopes
• Use a low gear on slopes for better control, and avoid shifting gears until you're on flatter terrain.
Be ready to use the brake, if necessary.
Reverse
• Disengage the blade before shifting into reverse and backing up. Mowing in reverse is not safe.
• Be very careful of your footing when operating the machine in reverse. Know what's behind you
and take your time.
• If you find it difficult to shift into reverse, lightly feather the clutch lever as you pull the shift lever
into reverse, then quickly release the clutch lever.
Heavy/Wet Grass
• Be very careful of your footing when mowing in wet conditions. Avoid steep slopes and other
possibly slippery areas.
• The best cut is achieved by mowing when the grass is dry. If you have to mow when the grass is
wet, use a lower, slower speed.
• We do not recommend using the optional mulching plate in wet and heavy growth.
Other Checks
• Routinely check all the fasteners for looseness.
• Inspect, replace or sharpen and balance the blades if they become dull. Never try to straighten a
bent blade. Dull or bent blades can cause excessive vibration and wear.
• Be sure to replace the blades in the proper orientation.
• If your deck lacks power, check the belt for wear. Also check the blade drive pulleys for looseness.
If you find a loose pulley, remove the pulley and inspect the pulley hub and blade spindle and
replace if worn or damaged. The pulley is designed to shear with severe loads or impact.
• Immediately stop the mower and turn off the power unit if you accidentally hit anything. Check
everything thoroughly before you continue.
Figure 16