REV B 3-8 606835
Operating Suggestions
Inexperienced operators may have a tendency to oversteer
and lose control. Practice slow maneuvers at low engine rpm
(idle) on a flat open area before attempting normal speed
operation.
When turning on soft wet turf, keep both wheels rolling
either forward or backward. Pivoting on one stopped wheel
can damage turf. This is especially important when mowing.
Mower performance is maximum when the throttle is set at
full rpm. This gives maximum power to the drive wheels and
deck when needed. Use the control levers to control ground
speed rather than engine rpm.
Keep blades sharp. Many problems with incorrect cutting
patterns are due to dull blades or blades which have been
sharpened incorrectly. Information on sharpening blades is
listed in this manual’s maintenance section. Blade sharpness
should be checked daily.
Direct grass discharge to the right, away from the
unmowed area. Generally, this means using a pattern of left
turns. Avoid throwing grass discharge onto unmowed area.
Mowing clippings puts an unnecessary load on the unit and
reduces mowing efficiency.
When mowing a lawn for the first time cut grass slightly
longer than normal to avoid scalping uneven terrain. When
cutting grass taller than six inches, you may want to mow the
lawn twice to achieve a better quality of cut.
During normal mowing cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade.
Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass growing
straight and for better dispersion of the clippings.
Remember, grass grows at different rates at different
times of the year. Mow more often in the early spring to
maintain the same cutting height. As the growth rate slows
in midsummer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow at a
regular interval, mow at a high cutting height; then mow
again two days later at a lower cutting height.
Raise the cutting height of the mower if the cutting width
of the mower is wider than the previous mower. This ensures
that uneven turf is not cut too short.
Raise the cutting height of the mower if the grass is
slightly taller than normal or if it contains a high degree of
moisture. Then mow it again with the cutting height set
lower.
IMPORTANT: If the machine’s forward motion must be
stopped while mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop
onto your lawn. To avoid this, move onto a previously cut
area with the blades engaged
An inexperienced operator should not mow on
slopes or on uneven terrain.
Before attempting normal speed operation an
inexperienced operator should:
• be thoroughly familiar with the proper use
and operation of the equipment.
• read the manual completely and thoroughly.
• have attempted slow moving maneuvers.
If you lose steering control while operating the
machine, place the steering control levers in the park
brake position immediately. Inspect the machine and
involve your Hustler® dealer to resolve the problem
before continuing to operate.
The unit’s steering control levers are very
responsive: Easy does it! For smooth operation,
move lever slowly, avoid sudden movement. Skill
and ease of operation come with practice and
experience. The machine can spin very rapidly. Use
caution when making turns and slow down before
making sharp turns.
Sharp depressions or raised obstacles (such as
gutters or curbs) should not be directly approached
at high speed in an attempt to “jump” them as the
operator could be thrown from the equipment.
Approach at a slow speed and angle one drive wheel
at the obstruction. Continue at an angle until the
wheel clears and then pivot the opposite wheel
Never work with blades while the engine is running
or deck clutch switch is engaged (on).
Always place the deck clutch switch in the
disengaged position, place steering control levers
in the park brake position, turn the engine off and
disconnect the negative battery cable.
Block the mower up when you must work under it.
Wear gloves when handling blades.
Always check for blade damage if the mower
strikes a rock, branch or other foreign object
during mowing!
Never direct the discharge of material from the
mower deck toward bystanders.
• Do not operate the mower without the rear
discharge rubber flaps or power unit
deflector in place. Figure 3-11
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