Recycler® Kit

Ensure that the mower has the rear grass guard to disperses clippings to the rearward and down toward the turf, while in rear discharge mode.

To mulch grass clippings, install the baffles on the mower deck as instructed in the following procedures.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position.

3. Engage the parking brake.

4. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

5. Thoroughly clean the mower deck. Remove all debris to ensure that the baffles will fit properly.

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

1. Remove the belt covers (Figure 1).

   

   Figure 1

   Left belt cover shown

2. Loosen the 4 bolts and remove the sheet-metal guard (Figure 2).

   

   Figure 2

   1. Sheet-metal guard
   2. Bolt

Refer to the Operator’s Manual for instructions on removing the blades.

Drill the 10 pilot holes in the deck with an 10 mm (3/8 inch) drill bit as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3

1. Holes for right baffle
2. Holes for right kicker
3. Holes for center kicker
4. Holes for left kicker
5. Holes for left baffle
6. Holes for center baffle support

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. Remove the 4 outboard carriage bolts (5/16 x 7/8 inch) and 4 outboard locknuts (5/16 inch) that secure the deflector bracket to the mower deck (Figure 4).

   

   Figure 4

   1. Carriage bolt (5/16 x 7/8 inch)
   2. Locknut (5/16 inch)
   3. Deflector bracket

2. Secure the left and right baffle supports to deflector bracket and mower deck using 4 carriage bolts (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches) and 4 locknuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 5.

3. Secure the center baffle support to the mower deck using 2 carriage bolts (5/16 x 1 inch), 1 shim plate, and 2 locknuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 5.

   

   Figure 5

   1. Right baffle support
   2. Center baffle support
   3. Left baffle support
   4. Locknut (5/16 inch)
   5. Carriage bolt (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches)
   6. Deflector bracket
   7. Shim plate
   8. Carriage bolt (5/16 x 1 inch)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Loosely install the baffles to align the baffles with all the holes in the mower deck (Figure 6).

1. Position the right baffle into the mower deck.

2. Loosely secure the right baffle to the right discharge plate using 1 carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch) and 1 locknut (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

3. Loosely secure the right baffle to the right mower deck divider and right baffle support using 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and 2 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

4. Position the left baffle in the mower deck.

5. Loosely secure the left baffle to the left discharge plate using 1 carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch) and 1 locknut (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

6. Loosely secure the left baffle to the left mower deck divider and left baffle support using 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and 2 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

7. Position the center baffle into the mower deck.

8. Loosely secure the center baffle to the right and left mower deck dividers and center baffle support using 3 carriage bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and 3 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

9. Tighten all the locknuts.

   

   Figure 6

   1. Right discharge plate
   2. Right baffle support
   3. Right baffle
   4. Right mower deck divider
   5. Center baffle
   6. Center baffle support
   7. Left mower deck divider
   8. Left baffle
   9. Left baffle support
   10. Locknut (3/8 inch)
   11. Carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)
   12. Left discharge plate

Parts needed for this procedure:

Secure the 3 kickers to the mower deck using 6 carriage bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and 6 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7

1. Carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)
2. Locknut (3/8 inch)
3. Kicker

Parts needed for this procedure:

Refer to the Operator’s Manual for instructions on installing the blades.

1. Secure the sheet-metal guard using the 4 bolts (Figure 2).

2. Secure the belt covers (Figure 1).

Parts needed for this procedure:

Removing the Baffles

Reverse the steps in Installing the Baffles and install new flange-head bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and previously removed locknuts (3/8 inch) where you removed the baffles.

Refer to Figure 8 for the holes you need to fill in the mower deck.

Figure 8

1. Install the new flange-head bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and previously removed locknuts (3/8 inch) in these holes.
2. Remove the centre baffle support bracket only and secure the existing fitted flange-head bolts (5/16 x 1 inch) and shim plate using the previously removed locknuts (5/16 inch).

Removing the Baffle Supports

Reverse the steps in Installing the Baffle Supports and install the previously removed carriage bolts (5/16 x 7/8 inch) and locknuts (5/16 inch) where you removed the baffle supports as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9

1. Carriage bolt (5/16 x 7/8 inch)
2. Locknut (5/16 inch)
3. Deflector bracket

Remove approximately 25 mm (1 inch) or no more than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally lush and dense grass you may need to raise the height of cut setting or convert to side discharge or bagging.

Air is required to cut and recut grass clippings in the mower housing, so do not set the height-of-cut too low or fully surround the housing by uncut grass. Always try to keep the back of the mower deck free from uncut grass, allowing air to be drawn into the housing. When making an initial cut through the center of an uncut area, operate the machine slower and back the machine if the mower starts to clog.

Grass grows at different rates at different times of the year. To maintain the same cutting height, mow more often in early spring. As the grass growth rate slows in mid summer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow for an extended period, first mow at a high cutting height, then mow again 2 days later at a lower height setting.

A sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass. A dull blade tears and shreds the grass. Tearing and shredding causes the grass to turn brown at the edges, which impairs growth and increases susceptibility to disease.

To ensure optimum performance, clean the underside of the mower deck after each use.

Important: Do not use brackish or reclaimed water to clean the machine.

Note: If residue grass builds up in the mower deck, cutting performance decreases.