E-Z Vac™ Complete Twin Bagger

TimeCutter® HD and Titan® Riding Mower

Model No. 79345-Serial No. 415204500 and Up

Model No. 79346-Serial No. 415186600 and Up

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.

Visit 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.

g005673

Figure 1

  1. Model and serial number location

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

The safety-alert symbol (Figure 2) appears both in this manual and on the machine to identify important safety messages that you must follow to avoid accidents. This symbol will appear with the word Danger, Warning, or Caution.

  • Danger indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

  • Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

  • Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

sa-black

Figure 2

  1. Safety-alert symbol

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

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, not your hands, to remove an obstruction from the blower and tube.

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

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.

  • 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 manufacturer's recommendations for adding or removing wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

  • 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. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. 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, direction, or turning.

  • The grass catcher can obstruct the view to the rear. Use extra care when operating 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 using a grass catcher.

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

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

  • If you remove the grass catcher, be sure to install any discharge deflector or guard that might have been removed to install the grass catcher. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the grass deflector 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 allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with the manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

Towing Safety

  • Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

  • Follow the attachment manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

  • Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

  • On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. Reduce towed weight and slow down.

  • Stopping distance increases with the weight of the towed load. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

  • Make wide turns to keep the attachment clear of the machine.

  • Do not tow a load that weighs more than the towing machine.

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.
decal136-4164

136-4164

  1. Warning—read the Operator’s Manual.
  2. Warning—hearing protection must be worn.
  3. Thrown object hazard—do not operate the blower without the entire system installed and latched.
  4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard, impeller—keep away from moving parts; keep all guards and covers in place.
  5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard, impeller—disengage the PTO, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop.
  6. Warning; loss of traction—do not operate with only counterbalance weights installed; do not operate with only E-Z Vac installed; operate only with both E-Z Vac and counterbalance weights installed.
decal109-6809

109-6809

  1. Crushing hazard of hand—do not remove the whole bagger from the machine; open the bagger top and then remove the bag(s) from the bagger. Do not remove the bagger top when it is closed; open the bagger top and then remove it.
decal133-8061

133-8061

Setup

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

Preparing the Machine

Perform the following procedure to prepare the machine for attaching the blower and finishing kit.

  1. Park the machine on a level surface.

  2. Disengage the blade-control switch, engage the parking brake, and move the motion-control levers outward to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position.

  3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  4. Ensure that the machine is secure from movement before you begin to work on it.

  5. Repair all bent or damaged areas of machine deck and replace any missing parts.

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

Installing the Weight

Parts needed for this procedure:

Weight tray1
Left weight-tray mount1
Right weight-tray mount1
Suitcase weight—16 kg (35 lb)1
Retaining rod1
Bolt (3/8 x 1-1/4 inches)2
Flange nut (3/8 inch)4
Carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)2
Self-tapping bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)2

Caution

The bagger changes the weight distribution of the machine. Operating the machine without the front weights may cause an unstable condition, which could result in a loss of control.

Ensure that the front weights are properly installed before operating the machine with the bagger attachment.

  1. Remove the existing bolt and nut from the left and right side of the platform where you will install the weight-tray mounts.

  2. Use the 2 self-tapping bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch), 2 bolts (3/8 x 1-1/4 inches), and flange nuts (3/8 inch) to secure the left and right weight-tray mounts to the machine (Figure 3).

    g196533

    Figure 3

    Cutaway view

    1. Weight-tray mounts
    2. Bolt (3/8 x 1-1/4 inches)
    3. Flange nut (3/8 inch)
    4. Self-tapping bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)

  3. Use the 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and flange nuts to secure the weight tray to the mounts (Figure 4).

    g196549

    Figure 4

    1. Carriage bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)
    2. Weight-tray mount
    3. Weight tray
    4. Flange nut (3/8 inch)

  4. Insert the suitcase weight into the weight tray with the groove side facing toward the front of the machine (Figure 5).

    g196560

    Figure 5

    1. Retaining rod
    2. Weight tray
    3. Suitcase weight

  5. Insert the retaining rod into the tray and rotate it into the locked position (Figure 5).

Important: Remove the suitcase weight whenever you remove the bagger attachment.

Removing the Grass Deflector and Belt Cover

Warning

An uncovered discharge opening could allow the machine to throw objects toward you or bystanders and result in serious injury. Also, contact with the blade could occur.

Never operate the lawn mower unless you install a mulch plate, discharge deflector, or grass-collection system.

Inspect the grass deflector for damage before each use. Replace any damaged parts before use.

  1. Disengage the spring from the notch in the deflector bracket and remove the cotter pin (CE models only), slide the rod out of the welded deck brackets, spring, and discharge deflector (Figure 6).

    Note: Your chute may look different than the one pictured.

    g190642

    Figure 6

    1. Rod
    2. Cotter pin (CE models only)
    3. Deflector
    4. Spring
    5. Deck brackets
    6. Spring installed over the rod

  2. Remove the deflector (Figure 6).

  3. Remove the 4 screws (1/4 x 1/2 inch) securing the right belt cover, and remove the belt cover (Figure 7).

    Note: Retain the 4 screws (1/4 x 1/2 inch) for installation in Procedure Installing the Pulley Assembly, Belt Cover, and Shoulder Bolt.

    g200974

    Figure 7

    1. Screw (1/4 x 1/2 inch)
    2. Belt cover

Installing the Baffle and Blower Support

Parts needed for this procedure:

Blower support1
Hex washer-head screw (3/8 x 3/4 inch)2
Baffle1
Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)4
Flange nut (5/16 inch)4

  1. Install the blower support to the mower deck using 2 hex washer-head screws (3/8 x 3/4 inch) as shown in Figure 8.

    g201299

    Figure 8

    1. Hex washer-head screw (3/8 x 3/4 inch)
    2. Blower support

  2. Remove the existing bolt and nut from the mower deck (Figure 9).

    Important: For 48-inch and 60-inch mower decks, there is only one bolt and nut that you can remove.For 54-inch mower deck, remove the bolt and nut as shown in Figure 9.

    g206498

    Figure 9

    1. Existing bolt
    2. Existing nut

  3. Install the left side of the baffle using a carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and flange nut (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 10.

  4. Loosen the 2 carriage bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch) in the baffle slots, and slide the baffle until the hole aligns with the hole in the mower deck (Figure 10).

  5. Install baffle as shown in Figure 10.

    Important: Ensure that you use the correct hole for the baffle; refer to Figure 10.

  6. Tighten the 2 carriage bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch) in the baffle slots (Figure 10).

    g206496

    Figure 10

    54-inch mower deck shown

    1. Inner baffle
    2. Hole for 48-inch and 60-inch mower deck installation.
    3. Hole for 54-inch mower deck installation.
    4. Right blade
    5. Outer baffle
    6. Install this carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and flange nut (5/16 inch) after sliding the baffle.
    7. Slots in the baffle
    8. Loosen these 2 carriage bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and 2 flange nut (5/16 inch).
    9. Install this carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and flange nut (5/16 inch) first.

Installing the Pulley Assembly, Belt Cover, and Shoulder Bolt

Parts needed for this procedure:

Pulley assembly1
Belt cover1

  1. Remove the nut and washer from the right mower deck pulley.

  2. Install the pulley assembly to the right mower deck pulley with the previously removed nut and washer (Figure 11).

    Important: For 48-inch mower decks, use the small blower pulley.For 54-inch and 60-inch mower decks, use the large blower pulley.

  3. Torque the nut to 136 to 149 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb).

    g201880

    Figure 11

    54-inch mower deck shown

    1. Existing pulley nut
    2. Existing washer
    3. Blower pulley
    4. Existing deck (spindle) pulley
    5. Spindle

  4. Install the new belt cover over the pulley assembly using the 4 previously removed screws (1/4 x 1/2 inch) as shown in Figure 12.

    g201435

    Figure 12

    1. Belt cover
    2. Screw (1/4 x 1/2 inch)

Installing the Attachment Mount

Parts needed for this procedure:

Stabilizer bracket1
Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)2
Locknut (5/16 inch)4
Self-tapping screw (5/16 x 3/4 inch)2
Bolt (5/16 x 1 inch)2
Pivot frame 1
Hairpin cotter 2
Rod 2
Washer 2

  1. Remove the existing 2 bolts, 2 nuts, and hitch bracket from the bottom of the engine guard (Figure 13).

    g308798

    Figure 13

    1. Nut
    2. Existing hitch bracket
    3. Bolt

  2. Install the stabilizer bracket to the engine guard using 2 carriage bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and 2 locknuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 14.

    g308799

    Figure 14

    1. Locknut (5/16 inch)
    2. Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)

  3. Remove the existing 2 self-tapping screws from the bottom of the machine frame (Figure 16).

  4. Loosely install the pivot frame to the machine frame using 2 bolts (5/16 x 1 inch) and 2 locknuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 15.

    g302477

    Figure 15

    1. Locknut (5/16 inch)
    2. Bolt (5/16 x 1 inch)

  5. Position the pivot frame upward, and secure the pivot frame to the bottom of the machine frame using 2 self-tapping screws (5/16 x 3/4 inch) as shown in Figure 16.

    g308797

    Figure 16

    1. Self-tapping screw (5/16 x 3/4 inch)
    2. Pivot frame

  6. Tighten the 2 bolts (5/16 x 1 inch) and 2 locknuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 15.

  7. Install the bent, flared end of a rod into the keyed slot in the left side of the machine frame, and move the rod rearward to seat it in the frame (Figure 17).

    Note: Repeat this step for the right side of the machine.

    g308335

    Figure 17

    Left side shown

  8. Insert the bent ends of the rods into the attachment mount as shown in Figure 17 and secure the end of each rod with a washer and hairpin cotter.

Installing the Latch Rod

Parts needed for this procedure:

Latch rod1
Hairpin cotter1

Install the latch rod with a hairpin cotter (Figure 18).

g201213

Figure 18

  1. Hairpin cotter
  2. Latch rod

Assembling the Bagger Top

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bagger top1
Bagger screen1
Hairpin cotter2

  1. Turn the bagger top over.

  2. Install the screen as shown in Figure 19 and ensure that it slopes down toward the collection bags.

    Note: Make sure that the screens snap into place and the tabs engage the bagger top.

    g201881

    Figure 19

    1. Bagger top
    2. Screen
    3. Screen tab
    4. Slot in bagger top
    5. Hairpin cotter

Assembling the Grass Bags

Parts needed for this procedure:

Bag frame2
Grass bag2

Snap the 2 bag frames to the 2 grass bags.

g453040

Figure 20

Installing the Bagger Top

Parts needed for this procedure:

Grass bag assembly2

  1. Install the bagger top to the bagger frame.

    Note: Your bagger may look different than the one shown.

  2. Slide the brackets over the posts in the bagger frame and install the circular cotter pin into the hole in the right hand post (Figure 21).

  3. Rotate the bagger hood down to the operating position.

    Note: To remove the circular cotter pin, continue to rotate it in the same direction as installed.

    g016265

    Figure 21

    1. Bagger hood
    2. Bagger frame
    3. Bracket, bagger hood
    4. Circular cotter pin
    5. Post

  4. Lift the bagger top and install the bags assembled in Assembling the Grass Bags by sliding the bag frame hooks onto the retaining brackets (Figure 22).

    g300378

    Figure 22

  5. Lower the bagger top onto the bags (Figure 23).

    g033030

    Figure 23

  6. Secure the hood with the latch (Figure 23).

Installing the Blower Assembly

Parts needed for this procedure:

Blower assembly1

Warning

An uncovered discharge opening allows the lawn mower to throw objects toward you or bystanders, resulting in serious injury. Also, contact with the blade could occur.

  • Never operate the lawn mower without a cover plate, a mulch plate, or a grass chute and catcher.

  • Make sure that the grass deflector is installed when you remove the grass chute and catcher.

Important: Install the side-discharge chute when you remove the bagger and blower.

Important: Save all the hardware and the side-discharge chute.

  1. If necessary, install the belt onto the blower pulley (Figure 26).

  2. Insert the blower pivot pin into the blower support and rotate the blower assembly inward toward the machine (Figure 24).

    Note: The blower assembly should automatically latch as shown in Figure 25.

    g201514

    Figure 24

    1. Blower assembly
    2. Blower pivot pin
    3. Blower support
    g201893

    Figure 25

    1. Blower latch

Installing the Blower Belt and Powered Bagger Cover

Parts needed for this procedure:

Powered bagger cover1
Blower belt1

  1. Install the belt around the blower pulley (Figure 26 and Figure 27); refer to Installing the Blower Assembly.

    Use the following belt based on the mower deck size:

    48-inch Mower Deck54-inch Mower Deck60-inch Mower Deck
    Toro Part No. 127-0074Toro Part No. 127-0075Toro Part No. 127-0076
    g201516

    Figure 26

    Blower Belt Routing

    1. Idler/tension pulley
    2. Blower pulley
    3. Blower belt
    4. Drive pulley
    g201513

    Figure 27

    1. Blower pulley
    2. Blower in position (housing portion removed for illustrative purposes)
    3. Spring
    4. Idler-pulley post
    5. Idler arm
    6. Drive pulley
    7. Idler/tension pulley
    8. Blower belt

  2. Ensure that the belt remains aligned to the blower pulley while you are installing the blower assembly.

  3. Pull the spring loaded idler pulley away from the fixed spring post, and route the belt around the mower deck pulley (Figure 27).

    Note: Ensure that the belt is routed around the blower pulley correctly.

  4. Route the belt around the drive pulley as illustrated in Figure 26 and Figure 27.

  5. Install the powered bagger cover over the belt cover, and secure it by tightening the knob (Figure 28).

    g201515

    Figure 28

    1. Knob
    2. Powered bagger cover
    3. Belt cover

Installing the Discharge Tubes

Parts needed for this procedure:

Upper tube 1
Screw (1/4 x 3/4 inches) 2
Washer (1/4 inch)2
Locknut (1/4 inch) 2
Lower tube 1

Important: Make sure that the mower deck is in the lowest height-of-cut position before installing the discharge tubes.

Note: Remember to install the grass deflector when you remove the bagger from the mower.

  1. Disengage the PTO and engage the parking brake.

  2. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  3. Lower the mower deck to the lowest height-of-cut position.

  4. Remove the bags for viewing the tube under the hood.

  5. Lower and latch the hood.

  6. Use both latches to attach the lower tube to the blower assembly (Figure 29).

    Note: Ensure that the notch in the lower tube is at the bottom when installed (Figure 31).

    g018444

    Figure 29

    Lower Discharge Tube Latch

    1. Blower assembly
    2. Upper latch
    3. Latch

  7. Make note of where the 2 bolts in the upper tube are installed.

    Note: The hole near the molded arrowheads will not be used.

  8. Remove the 2 bolts in the lower end of the upper tube.

  9. Use the 2 holes as a template for the lower tube.

    Note: Retain the hardware.

  10. Insert the upper end (no holes) of the upper tube through the tube seal in the hood by pushing the tube in until the tube contacts the inside of the hood.

  11. Pull the upper tube out slightly so that the seal extends outward and over the lower tube (Figure 30).

    g018440

    Figure 30

    1. Upper tube
    2. Rubber seal protruding out
    3. Bagger hood

  12. Align the upper tube holes to match the dimples on the surface of the lower tube.

    Note: Ensure that the side profile appears as shown in Figure 31.

    Note: Do not use the open hole near the molded arrowheads.

    g020776

    Figure 31

    1. Upper tube
    2. Existing hole (bolt removed)
    3. Notch at the bottom of the tube when installed
    4. Lower tube

  13. Using the existing holes in the upper tube as a template, drill 2 holes, 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) diameter, through the dimples on the lower tube (Figure 32).

    g018439

    Figure 32

    Drilling Lower Discharge Tube

    1. Dimples
    2. Lower tube
    3. Drill 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) diameter hole
    4. Upper tube
    5. Install screw (1/4 x 3/4 inch), washer (1/4 inch), and locknut (1/4 inch) here.
    6. Upper tube—existing holes

  14. Remove the upper and lower tubes from the machine.

  15. Slide the tubes together and align the holes.

  16. Install the washers (1/4 inch) onto the bolts (Figure 32).

  17. Using a hex key tool, install the screws (1/4 x 3/4 inch) and washers (1/4 inch) from the inside of the lower tube and through the existing holes in the upper tube (Figure 32).

  18. Secure the tubes together with the nuts (1/4 inch) as shown in Figure 32.

  19. Insert the upper discharge tube through the tube seal in the hood.

  20. Pull the upper tube out slightly so that the seal extends outward and over the blower assembly (Figure 30).

  21. Use both latches to attach the lower tube to the blower assembly (Figure 29).

Operation

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 top, or the chute while the engine is running.

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

  • Never perform maintenance or make repairs while the engine is running.

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) 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 ever damaged, replace it immediately. The grass deflector routes material down toward the turf.

  • Never put your hands or feet under the mower.

  • 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 of the spark plug(s).

  • Turn off the engine before unclogging the discharge chute.

Emptying the Grass Bags

Danger

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.

Be careful when lifting or handling a grass bag that is full. To empty the grass bags:

  1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade control switch.

  2. Move the motion control levers outward to the neutral lock position, shut off the engine, remove the key, set the parking brake and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Open (raise) the bagger top (Figure 33).

    g005758

    Figure 33

  4. Compress debris into the bags. With both hands, lift up on the bag and unhook it from the retaining bracket. Empty the bag. Repeat the procedure for the other bag.

    g300218

    Figure 34

    g300217

    Figure 35

  5. Install the bags by sliding the bag frame hooks onto the retaining brackets.

  6. Lower the bagger top onto the bags.

Clearing Obstructions from the Bagger

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.

  1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade control switch.

  2. Move the motion control levers outward to the neutral lock position, stop the engine, remove the key, set the parking brake and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Check the grass bags and empty them if they are full.

  4. Remove and separate the discharge tube and chute from the bagger top and mower. Using a stick or similar object, carefully remove and clear the obstruction from the mower, discharge tube, chute, and the bagger top.

  5. After you remove the obstruction, install the complete bagger system and resume operation.

Removing the Bagger

Caution

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

  • Always remove the front weights when removing the bagger attachment.

  • Never operate the machine without the bagger attachment and the front weights installed.

You can remove the bagger by repeating the Setup sections from all installed bagger related kits in reverse order. If weights are installed, always remove the front bagger weights when removing the bagger attachments.

Note: It is necessary only to remove the cutoff baffle when installing a mulching kit.

Operating Tips

Tips for Bagging

Remembering the Size of the Machine with the Attachment

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

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

Do not set the mower cutting height too low because long grass surrounding the mower can prevent air from getting under the mower and entering the bagging system. If enough air does not get under the mower, the bagging system will plug.

Cutting Frequency

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

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 chute and discharge tube.

Bagging Speed

Most often you will bag with the mower throttle in the FAST position and drive at a normal ground speed. However, in extremely dry and dusty grass, you may want to slightly reduce the throttle speed and increase the ground speed of the mower. The bagging system may plug if you drive too fast and the engine speed gets too slow. On hills, it may be necessary to slow the mower ground speed. This helps maintain the engine speed and bagging efficiency. Mow downhill whenever possible.

Caution

As the bagger fills, extra weight is added to the back of the machine. If you stop and start 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 blade control. Then back down the hill using a slow speed.

  • Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes on slopes.

  • Never operate the machine without the bagger attachment and the front weights installed.

Bagging Long Grass

Excessively long grass is heavy and may not be propelled completely into the grass bags. If this happens, the discharge tube and chute 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

Always try to cut grass when it is dry because your lawn will have a neat appearance. If you must cut wet grass, use the conventional side-discharge feature of the mower. Several hours later, when the clippings are dry, install the complete bagger attachment and vacuum up the grass clippings.

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 clippings blowing out indicates that the bags are full or the system is plugged.

Maintenance

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

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
After the first 8 hours
  • Inspect the blower belt.
  • Inspect the bagger.
    		•
    After each use
  • Clean the hood screen.
  • Clean the bagger.
    		•
    Every 25 hours
  • Inspect the blower belt.
    		•
    Every 100 hours
  • Inspect the bagger.
    		•

    Warning

    If you leave the key in the key switch, someone could accidently start the engine and seriously injure you or other bystanders.

    Remove the key and disconnect the wire from the spark plug before you do any maintenance. Set the wire aside so that it does not accidentally contact the spark plug.

    Warning

    Engines can become hot when they are operating. Severe burns can occur from contacting hot surfaces.

    Allow engines, especially the muffler, to cool before touching.

    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.

    Preparing for Maintenance

    Do the following steps before preforming maintenance on the machine:

    1. Park the machine on a level surface.

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

    3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

    4. Clean the mower of any debris on the deck or rear part of the mower to ease maintenance.

    Cleaning the Hood Screen

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After each use
  • Clean the hood screen.
    		•

    1. Open the bagger hood.

    2. Clean the debris from the screen.

    3. Close the bagger hood.

    Cleaning the Bagger and Bags

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After each use
  • Clean the bagger.
    		•

    1. Wash the inside and outside of the bagger hood, bags, tube, and the underside of the mower.

      Note: 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 Blower Belt

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 8 hours
  • Inspect the blower belt.
    		•
    Every 25 hours
  • Inspect the blower belt.
    		•

    Check belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks or any other damage. Replace damaged belts.

    Replacing the Blower Belt

    1. Remove the plastic belt cover.

    2. Pull back on the spring-loaded idler pulley to relieve the belt tension (Figure 36).

      g202246

      Figure 36

      1. Blower pulley
      2. Blower in position (housing portion removed for illustrative purposes)
      3. Drive pulley
      4. Mower deck
      5. Idler/tension pulley
      6. Blower belt

    3. Remove the existing bagger belt from the mower-deck pulley.

    4. Remove the blower from the mower deck.

    5. Remove the existing bagger belt from the blower pulleys.

    6. Install the new belt around the blower pulleys (Figure 36).

    7. Install the blower onto the blower support.

    8. Install the new belt around the mower-deck pulley (Figure 36).

    9. Pull back on the spring loaded idler pulley and install the belt onto the spring-loaded idler pulley (Figure 36).

    Inspecting the Bagger

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 8 hours
  • Inspect the bagger.
    		•
    Every 100 hours
  • Inspect the bagger.
    		•

    1. Check the upper tube, lower tube, bagger hood, and the blower assembly.

      Note: Replace these parts if they are cracked or broken.

    2. Check the bags, bagger frame, and screen.

      Note: Replace any parts that are cracked or broken.

    3. 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 your machine Operator's Manual for complete blade maintenance.

    Storage

    Storing the Bagger Attachment

    1. Clean the bagger attachment; refer to Cleaning the Bagger Attachment.

    2. Inspect the bagger attachment for damage; refer to Inspecting the Bagger Attachment.

    3. Ensure that the grass bags are empty and thoroughly dry.

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

    Troubleshooting

    ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
    There is abnormal vibration.
    1. The cutting blade(s) are bent or unbalanced.
    2. The blade-mounting bolt is loose.
    3. There is a loose blower pulley or pulley assembly.
    4. The bagger belt is worn.
    5. The blower fan blade(s) 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.
    Reduced bagging performance
    1. The engine speed is too low.
    2. The screen in the bagger hood is plugged.
    3. The bagger belt is loose.
    4. There is a plugged tube or blower.
    5. The bags are full.
    1. Always operate the engine at full throttle.
    2. Remove debris, leaves, or grass clippings from the screen.
    3. Replace the bagger belt.
    4. Locate and remove the plugged debris.
    5. Empty the hopper.
    The blower and tubes plug too frequently.
    1. The bags are too full.
    2. The engine speed is too low.
    3. The grass is too wet.
    4. The 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. Dump more frequently.
    2. Always operate the engine at full throttle.
    3. Cut 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 blowout
    1. The bags are too full.
    2. The ground speed is too fast.
    3. The mower deck is not leveled.
    1. Dump more frequently.
    2. Drive the machine at slow ground speed while operating the engine at full throttle.
    3. See the machine Operator's Manual for leveling the mower deck.
    The blower impeller does not spin freely.
    1. The blower is plugged.
    2. The impeller is not aligned.
    1. Remove debris, leaves, or grass clippings from the blower impeller.
    2. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.