Operating Guide

607191 3-7 REV C
Flex Forks
®
New Flex Forks
®
require a brief break-in period. Refer to the
Maintenance and Adjustments section of this manual for more
details.
Deck Clutch Operation
Before beginning operation, check to make sure the deck
clutch switch is engaging and disengaging the blades properly.
To check the deck clutch switch:
1. Start the engine and engage the deck clutch.
2. With the deck clutch switch up (clutch engaged) and
the engine running, listen to confirm that the mower
blades are rotating.
3. Now, push the deck clutch switch down (clutch
disengaged), and with the engine running, listen to
confirm that the blades have stopped rotating.
4. If the mower blades continue to rotate with the deck
clutch switch down, discontinue operation
immediately and contact your Hustler
®
Dealer.
Follow these procedures to maximize clutch life.
1. Engage the clutch only under the following conditions:
• throttle set at approximately 2/3 as shown on
instrument panel;
• deck cutting height set to Notch D or higher;
• no load on the blades.
After clutch engagement, adjust the deck cutting height
to the desired level, if necessary, and advance the engine
throttle to full rpm.
IMPORTANT: Engaging the deck clutch at high engine
rpm, low deck heights or when under heavy load (in tall
grass, for example) can cause belts and/or electric
clutch to slip, resulting in premature wear or possible
damage.
2. Disengage the clutch only when the throttle is set at
less than 1/2 throttle.
Never disengage the clutch with the engine running at
high rpm. Setting the throttle to less than 1/2 throttle
when disengaging the clutch will help extend clutch life.
Warranty will not be allowed for deck clutches that fail due
to improper engagement and disengagement practices.
Deck Cutting Height Adjustment
The deck cutting height is adjustable in 1/2" (12.7 mm)
increments.
When the adjusting pin is in the “A” slot, the deck mowing
height is set at its lowest mowing position. When the pin is
located in the “G” slot, the deck height is at its highest
mowing position or transport mode.
To adjust the cutting height, step on the deck lift pedal and
insert the adjusting pin into the desired cutting height hole.
Release the deck lift pedal. Figure 3-11
Discharge chute may vary from this illustration
A. Discharge chute
Figure 3-10
Never attempt to make any adjustments to the
mower deck while the engine is running or with the
deck drive clutch engaged. Mower blades cannot
be seen and are located very close to the deck
housing. Fingers and toes can be cut off instantly.
Make sure that the area around and under the deck
is clear and that there are no bystanders in the
immediate area before proceeding.
A
DANGER
WARNING
A. Deck cutting height pin
B. Cutting height holes
Figure 3-11
A
B