Introduction

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product safety and operation training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the space provided.

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This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 3), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

This product complies with all relevant European directives. For details, please see the Declaration of Incorporation (DOI) at the back of this publication.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

Use of this product may cause exposure to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

Warning

To avoid personal injury, follow these procedures:

  • Become familiar with all operating and safety instructions in the Operator's Manual for the mower before using this attachment.

  • Never remove the discharge tube, bags, bagger hood, or the chute while the engine is running.

  • Always shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before clearing an obstruction from the bagging system.

  • Never do maintenance or repairs while the engine is running.

Warning

When the bagger is in operation, the blower is rotating and can cut off or injure hands and fingers.

  • Before adjusting, cleaning, repairing and inspecting the blower, and before unclogging the chute, shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Remove the key.

  • Use a stick or similar object, not your hands, to remove an obstruction from the blower and tube.

  • Keep your face, hands, feet, and any other part of your body or clothing away from concealed, moving, or rotating parts.

Warning

Debris, such as leaves, grass, or brush can catch fire. A fire in the engine area can cause personal injury and property damage.

  • Keep the engine and muffler area free of debris accumulation.

  • Take care when opening the bagger cover to keep debris from falling onto the engine and muffler area.

  • Allow the machine to cool before storing it.

The following list contains safety information specific to Toro products and other safety information you must know.

  • Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, with the operator controls, and safety signs.

  • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the operating characteristics and the stability of the machine.

  • Follow the recommendations for adding or removing weights as described in the Operator’s Manual for the machine.

  • Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. A heavy grass catcher could cause loss of control or overturn the machine.

  • Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Mow slopes side to side. Turf conditions can affect the stability of the machine. Use extreme caution while operating near drop-offs.

  • Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed, directions, or turning.

  • The grass catcher can obstruct the view to the rear. Use extra care when operating the machine in reverse.

  • Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

  • Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless you are using a grass catcher.

  • Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not make adjustments with the engine running.

  • Stop the machine on level ground, disengage the drives, set the parking brake, and shut off the engine before leaving the operator's position for any reason including emptying the grass catcher or unclogging the chute.

  • Do not operate the machine without either the entire grass catcher, the grass deflector, and/or guard in place.

  • Shut off the engine before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute.

  • Do not leave grass in the grass catcher for extended periods of time.

  • Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose you to moving parts or thrown objects. Frequently check components and replace them with the manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.

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Setup

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

Preparing the Machine

Note: Remove the Roller Striper Kit, if installed, prior to installing this attachment.

  1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

  2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Repair all bent or damaged areas of mower deck and replace any missing parts.

  4. Clean the machine of any debris on the deck or rear part of the machine to ease installation.

Installing the E-Z Vac Blower and Drive Kit

Parts needed for this procedure:

E-Z Vac Blower and Drive Kit (sold separately)1

Refer to the Installation Instructions for the kit.

Installing the Blower Assembly, Belt, and Belt Cover

Parts needed for this procedure:

Blower assembly (from the Blower and Drive Kit)1
Belt (from the Blower and Drive Kit)1
Belt cover (from the Blower and Drive Kit)1
Knob (from the Blower and Drive Kit)1
  1. Lower the mower deck to the lowest setting.

  2. Remove the pulley from the blower assembly (Figure 4).

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  3. Insert the pin from the blower assembly into the blower mount bracket as shown in Figure 5.

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  4. Install the belt to the pulleys and idler assembly as shown in Figure 6.

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  5. Install the pulley that you removed in Step 2 so that the belt is routed around it.

  6. Install the belt cover and secure it by screwing the knob onto the screw on the idler (Figure 7).

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  7. Close the blower assembly so that the handle latches on the blower mount.

Note: Whenever you need to open the blower assembly, remove the belt cover first.

Installing the Brackets

Parts needed for this procedure:

Front mount bracket1
Lower mount bracket1
Rear mount bracket1
Right mount bracket1
Flat washer2
Bolt (3/8 x 4 inches)2
Carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)1
Nut (3/8 inch)1
Carriage bolt (1/4 x 5/8 inch)2
Nut (1/4 inch)2
  1. Remove the fuel tank; refer to the Operator’s Manual for the machine.

  2. Jack up the rear, right side of the machine so that no weight is on the right tire.

  3. Remove the right tire (Figure 8).

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  4. Raise the operator’s platform.

  5. Remove the 2 rear bolts and 2 nuts from the right transaxle (Figure 9). Retain the nuts.

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  6. Install the lower mount bracket to the transmission using the 2 nuts that you removed, 2 flat washers, and 2 bolts (3/8 x 4 inches) as shown in Figure 10.

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  7. Secure the top of the bracket using 1 carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch) and 1 nut (3/8 inch).

  8. Torque the bolts to 37 to 45 N∙m (27 to 33 ft-lb).

  9. Remove the front 2 bolts and 2 nuts from the right mount bracket and the front 2 bolts and 2 nuts from the right tower panel (Figure 11).

    Important: Ensure that the fan shroud inside the frame does not fall onto the transaxle as you remove the hardware.

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  10. Use the bolts and nuts you removed in step 9 to secure the right mount bracket and fan shroud to the frame (Figure 11). Torque the bolts to 37 to 45 N∙m (27 to 33 ft-lb).

  11. Loosely install the front mount bracket to the front of the control tower using 2 carriage bolts (1/4 x 5/8 inch) and 2 nuts (1/4 inch) as shown in Figure 12.

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  12. Lower the operator’s platform.

  13. Install the right tire, torque the lug nuts to 115 to 142 N∙m (85 to 105 ft-lb), and lower the machine (Figure 8).

Installing the Bagger Frame

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bagger-frame assembly1
Clevis pin2
Hairpin cotter3
Thrust washer1
Nut (3/8 inch)1
Carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)1
  1. With the assistance of another person, lift the bagger frame and secure the bottom, rear side of the frame to the lower mount bracket using a clevis pin and hairpin cotter (Figure 13).

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  2. Secure the frame to the pin on the rear mount bracket using a thrust washer and hairpin cotter (Figure 14).

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  3. Secure the bottom, front side of the bagger frame to the transmission mount bracket using a clevis pin and hairpin cotter (Figure 15).

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  4. Secure the bagger frame to the front mount bracket using a carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch) and nut (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 16.

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  5. Tighten the bagger frame and front mount bracket nuts.

  6. Install the fuel tank; refer to the Operator’s Manual for the machine.

    Note: When you install the fuel tank bracket, install the rear mount bracket between the control tower and the fuel-tank bracket.

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  7. Raise the cushion.

Installing the Bags

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bag2
  1. Unlatch and open the hood assembly.

  2. Install the bags onto bag mounts (Figure 18).

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  3. Close and latch the hood assembly.

Installing the Bagger Tube

Parts needed for this procedure:

Tube1
Hose clamp1
Blower clamp2
  1. Thread 1 end of the tube into the hood until it forms approximately a 90-degree bend from the blower and is secure (Figure 19).

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  2. Secure the other end of the tube to the blower assembly using the hose clamp and 2 blower clamps (Figure 20).

    Note: Loosen the knobs, slide the blower clamps onto the knobs so that the rear knobs are in the rearmost slot, and tighten the knobs. Ensure that the hose is between the blower clamps and the blower assembly.

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Installing the Weight

Parts needed for this procedure:

Weight1
U-bolt1
Long U-bolt (for Multi ForceTM machines with 52-inch decks only)1
Locknut (1/2 inch)2

Install the weight to the left caster using a U-bolt and 2 locknuts (1/2 inch) as shown in Figure 21.

Note: For Multi Force machines with a 52-inch deck, use the long U-bolt. The weight will rest on top of the frame (Figure 22).

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Operation

Operation Safety

  • Become familiar with all operating and safety instructions in the Operator's Manual for your machine before using this attachment.

  • Never remove the bagger or bagger tubes while the engine is running.

  • Always shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before clearing an obstruction from the bagging system.

  • Never do maintenance or repairs while the engine is running.

  • Engage the parking brake.

Warning

Without the grass deflector, bagger tubes, or complete bagger assembly mounted in place, you and others are exposed to blade contact and thrown debris. Contact with the rotating mower blade(s), impeller, and thrown debris will cause injury or death.

  • Always install the grass deflector when removing the bagger and changing to side-discharge mode.

  • If the grass deflector is damaged, replace it immediately. The grass deflector directs material down toward the turf.

  • Never put your hands or feet under the machine.

  • Never try to clear the discharge area or mower blades unless you move the power take off (PTO) to off and rotate the ignition key to off. Also, remove the key and pull the wire off the spark plug(s).

  • Shut off the engine before unclogging the blower housing.

Caution

Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to operate the machine while it is unattended.

Always remove the ignition key and engage the parking brake when leaving the machine unattended, even if just for a few minutes.

Positioning the Flow Baffle

Adjust the baffle to position C (front position) for bagging. Refer to the Operator Manual for the machine.

Ensure that the baffle does not contact the blower housing.

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Using the Fill Indicator

The fill indicator on top of the bagger hood spins as you fill the bags (Figure 24). The bags are full when the indicator stops spinning.

Clean the fill indicator impeller if there is grass or debris buildup.

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Emptying the Grass Bags

Grass bags are heavy when full. Be careful when lifting or handling a grass bag that is full.

  1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

  2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Unlatch the bagger latch.

  4. Open the bagger hood.

  5. Compress the debris into the bags. With both hands, lift up on the bag and unhook it from the bagger bracket.

  6. Grab the handle on the bottom of the bag and tip it over to empty the bag (Figure 25).

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  7. Repeat for the other bag.

  8. Install the bag tab into the notch in the bagger-support frame. Do this for both bags.

  9. Lower the bagger hood over the bags.

  10. Latch the bagger hood.

Clearing Obstructions from the Bagger System

Warning

When the bagger is in operation, the blower can rotate and cut off or injure your hands.

  • Before adjusting, cleaning, repairing, and inspecting the blower, and before unclogging the chute, shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Remove the key.

  • Use a stick, not your hands, to remove an obstruction from the blower and tube.

  • Keep your face, hands, feet, and any other part of your body or clothing away from concealed, moving, or rotating parts.

  1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

  2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Empty the bags.

  4. Disconnect the tube from the blower.

  5. Remove the tube from the bagger.

  6. Use a stick or similar object, not your hands, to remove and clear the obstruction from the tube.

    Note: In most cases, the debris can be shaken out of the tube.

  7. Install the tube.

  8. If the blower assembly is plugged, remove the belt cover, unlatch the blower assembly, and swing it open.

  9. Use a stick or similar object, not your hands, to remove and clear the obstruction from the blower assembly.

  10. After you remove the obstruction, close the blower assembly so that the handle latches.

Removing the Bagger

Warning

Components around the engine will be hot if the machine has been running. Touching hot components can cause burns.

  • Do not touch engine components when hot.

  • Allow the engine to cool before removing the bagger.

Caution

Failing to remove the front bagger weights and operating the machine without the bagger attachment may cause an unstable condition that could result in a loss of control.

Always remove the front weights when removing the bagger attachment.

  1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

  2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Remove the bagger by repeating the setup sections in the reverse order, beginning with Step Installing the Bagger Tube.

  4. Remove the blower assembly by repeating the setup sections in the reverse order; refer to the Installation Instructions for the blower.

    Note: Ensure that you remove the front weight and install the grass deflector when you remove the blower assembly.

Danger

Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or complete grass catcher assembly mounted in place, you and others are exposed to blade contact and thrown debris. Contact with rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris will cause injury or death.

  • Always install the grass deflector when removing the bagger and changing to side-discharge mode.

  • If the grass deflector is damaged, replace it immediately. The grass deflector directs material down toward the turf.

  • Never put your hands or feet under the machine.

  • Never try to clear the discharge area or mower blades unless you move the power takeoff (PTO) to the OFF position, rotate the ignition key to OFF, and remove the key.

Transporting the Machine

Ensure that the latch is fastened at the rear of the bagger hood before you trailer the machine.

Danger

Transporting the machine with grass or debris in the bagger can damage the machine.

Do not leave grass or debris in the bagger while transporting the machine.

Operating Tips

Machine Size

Remember that the machine is longer and wider with this attachment installed. By turning too sharply in confined places, you may damage the attachment or other property.

Trimming

Always trim with the left side of the mower. Do not trim with the right side of the mower because you could damage the bagger chute and discharge tube.

Cutting Height

For optimum bagging performance, set the deck height-of-cut to remove no more that 51 to 76 mm (2 to 3 inches) or 1/3 of the grass height, whichever is less. Cutting off more than this reduces the capacity of the vacuum system.

Cutting Frequency

Cut the grass often, especially when it grows rapidly. You will have to cut your grass twice if it gets excessively long; refer to Bagging Long Grass.

Cutting Technique

For best lawn appearance, be sure to slightly overlap the mower into the previously cut area. This helps reduce the load on the engine and reduces the chance of plugging the blower assembly and tube.

Bagging Speed

The bagging system may plug if you drive too fast and the engine speed is too slow. On hills, it may be necessary to slow the ground speed of the machine. Mow downhill whenever possible.

Caution

As the bagger fills, extra weight is added to the back of the machine. If you stop and start the machine suddenly on hills, you may lose steering control or the machine may tip.

  • Do not start or stop suddenly when going uphill or downhill. Avoid uphill starts.

  • If you do stop the machine when going uphill, disengage the PTO. Then back down the hill using a slow speed.

  • Do not change speeds or stop on slopes.

Bagging Long Grass

If the grass is longer than normal or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height higher than usual and cut and bag the grass at this setting. Then cut and bag the grass again using the lower, normal setting.

Excessively long grass is heavy and may not be propelled completely into the bagger. If this happens, the tube and blower may plug. To avoid plugging the bagging system, mow the grass at a high height of cut, then lower the mower to your normal cutting height and repeat the bagging process.

Bagging Wet Grass

If possible, always try to cut grass when it is dry. Wet grass can cause plugging.

Reducing Plugging

To avoid plugging the bagging system, reduce the ground speed and mow the grass at a high height of cut, then lower the mower to your normal cutting height and repeat the bagging process.

Signs of Plugging

As you are bagging, a small amount of grass clippings normally blow out the front of the mower. An excessive amount of clipping blow-out indicates that the bagger is full or the blower or tube is plugged.

Bagging Blades

In most mowing conditions, the standard high lift blades provide the best bagging performance.

Use a Toro Atomic blade for bagging leaves in dry conditions. In dry dusty conditions, the medium lift or low lift blades, in combination with the Bagging Enhancement Kit, reduce dust and dirt blowout while providing effective bagging air flow.

Contact an Authorized Service Dealer for the proper blades for different mowing conditions.

Curb Climbing and Loading

Always lift the deck to the highest position when loading the machine on trailers or ascending/descending a curb. Leaving the mower in a lower position can damage the mower while loading and going over a curb. If a curb is higher than 15.2 cm (6 inches), cross it at a sharp angle with the deck fully raised. Use caution when loading the machine onto a trailer.

Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
After the first 8 hours
  • Inspect the bagger belt.
  • Inspect the bagger.
  • After each use
  • Clean the bagger, bags, and fill-indicator impeller.
  • Every 25 hours
  • Inspect the bagger belt.
  • Inspect the impeller assembly.
  • Every 100 hours
  • Inspect the bagger.
  • Cleaning the Bagger and Bags

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After each use
  • Clean the bagger, bags, and fill-indicator impeller.
  • Note: If you do not clean the bagger, dried grass can accumulate and clog the blower housing and tube.

    1. Wash the inside and outside of the bagger hood, bags, tube, fill-indicator impeller, and the underside of the machine. Use a mild automotive detergent to remove dirt.

    2. Make sure that you remove matted grass from all parts.

    3. After washing all parts, let them dry thoroughly.

    Note: With all parts installed, start and run the machine for a minute to assist in drying.

    Inspecting the Bagger Belt

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 8 hours
  • Inspect the bagger belt.
  • Every 25 hours
  • Inspect the bagger belt.
  • Check belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, or any other damage. Replace damaged belts.

    Replacing the Bagger Belt

    1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

    2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    3. Lower the mower deck to the lowest setting.

    4. Loosen the knob on the belt cover and remove the cover.

    5. Open the blower assembly to access the belt and pulley.

    6. Pull back on the spring-loaded idler pulley to relieve the belt tension (Figure 26).

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    7. Remove the pulley from the blower assembly (Figure 27).

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    8. Remove the existing bagger belt from the deck and blower assembly.

    9. Install the belt around the blower and idler pulleys as shown in Figure 26.

    10. Install the pulley that you removed so that the belt is routed around it.

    11. Close the blower assembly so that the handle latches.

    Inspecting the Bagger

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 8 hours
  • Inspect the bagger.
  • Every 25 hours
  • Inspect the impeller assembly.
  • Every 100 hours
  • Inspect the bagger.
    1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

    2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    3. Check the upper tube, lower tube, bagger hood, and the blower assembly. Replace these parts if they are cracked or broken.

    4. Check the bags, bagger frame, and screen. Replace any parts that are cracked or broken.

    5. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

    Inspecting the Mower Blades

    1. Inspect the mower blades regularly and whenever a blade strikes a foreign object.

    2. If blades are badly worn or damaged, install new blades. Refer to the Operator's Manual for the machine for complete blade maintenance.

    Installing the Mower Blades

    In most mowing conditions, the standard high-lift blades provide the best bagging performance.

    Use a Toro Atomic blade for bagging leaves in dry conditions. In dry dusty conditions, the medium lift or low lift blades reduce dust and dirt blowout while providing effective bagging air flow.

    Contact an Authorized Service Dealer for the proper blades for different mowing conditions.

    Refer to the machine Operator's Manual for more information on installing blades.

    Storage

    1. Clean the bagger attachment. Refer to Cleaning the Bagger and Bags.

    2. Inspect the bagger attachment for damage. Refer to Inspecting the Bagger.

    3. Make sure that the bags are empty and thoroughly dry.

    4. Check the belt for wear or cracks.

    5. Store the machine in a clean, dry place, out of direct sunlight. If you must store the machine outside, cover it with a weatherproof cover. This protects the plastic parts and extends the life of the machine.

    Troubleshooting

    ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
    There is abnormal vibration.
    1. Cutting blade(s) is/are bent or unbalanced.
    2. The blade-mounting bolt is loose.
    3. The blower pulley or pulley assembly is loose.
    4. The bagger belt is worn.
    5. The blower fan blade(s) is/are bent or unbalanced.
    1. Install new cutting blade(s).
    2. Tighten the blade-mounting bolt.
    3. Tighten the appropriate pulley.
    4. Replace the belt.
    5. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
    The bagging performance is reduced.
    1. The engine speed is low.
    2. The screen in the bagger hood is plugged.
    3. The bagger belt is loose.
    4. The tube or blower is plugged.
    5. The bags are full.
    1. Always operate the bagger at full throttle.
    2. Remove debris, leaves, or grass clippings from the screen.
    3. Replace the bagger belt.
    4. Locate and remove plugged debris.
    5. Empty the hopper.
    The blower and tubes plug too frequently.
    1. The bags are too full.
    2. The engine speed is low.
    3. Grass is too wet.
    4. Grass is too long.
    5. The screen in the bagger hood is plugged.
    6. The ground speed is too fast.
    7. The bagger belt is worn.
    1. Empty the bags more frequently.
    2. Always operate the bagger at full throttle.
    3. Cut the grass when it is dry.
    4. Cut no more than 51 to 76 mm (2 to 3 inches) or 1/3 of the grass height, whichever is less.
    5. Remove debris, leaves or grass clippings from the screen.
    6. Drive slower at full throttle.
    7. Replace the belt.
    Debris are blowing out.
    1. The bags are too full.
    2. The ground speed is too fast.
    3. The mower deck is not leveled.
    1. Dump the bags more frequently.
    2. Drive slower at full throttle.
    3. Refer to the machine’s Operator's Manual for leveling the mower deck.
    The blower impeller does not spin freely.
    1. The blower assembly has an obstruction.
    2. The impeller is not aligned or is bent.
    1. Remove debris, leaves, or grass clippings from the blower impeller.
    2. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.