SERVICE INTERVALS Using the Power Port (If Equipped) Travel at slow speed when you mow thick, tall grass, make sharp turns or trim around objects. c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Safe operation requires your full attention. Do not wear radio or music headphones while operating machine. Travel at moderate speed when you mow thin grass. • Use a different mowing pattern each time you mow. Overlap mowing paths 50 - 100 mm (2 - 4 in.). • Drive over ridges and through shallow ditches straight-on, not at an angle. An electric power port (A) can be used for accessories. See your authorized dealer.
Using CargO Mount System™ The front and rear CargO Mount System™ brackets (B) can be used for easy attachment of selected optional equipment. Use John Deere approved optional equipment only. See your Authorized Service Center for approved optional equipment. Using Storage Accessories • Use the storage pocket (C) for small items such as gloves. D MIF • Mow around the outside twice, then mow inside in straight passes. Best cut is achieved when mowing in a straight line. • When mowing or mulching near pavement, overlap the pavement by 50 mm (2 in.) to allow clippings to dispense over grass. • A thick layer of mulched leaves can prevent sunlight from getting to grass and smother it.
Taller grass heights allow mulched leaves to dispense easier in lawn. Mulch leaves several times if needed. MX16560 • Use a thatcher in late spring or summer to pull up dead grass and aerate ground. • On Models Without Cruise Control: Use the storage retainer (D) to hold items such as a garage door opener. • For Mulching Mower: Shorter cut heights will provide better cut quality, but may leave noticeable clippings. Higher cut heights will reduce clippings, but cut quality may decline. Choosing Mower Blades Three types of mower blades are available for use with LA series mowers. • 3-N-1 blades.
These are general purpose blades that are best suited for side-discharge operation, but can be used with a bagger attachment, or with a mulch cover installed. They are not designed for optimal performance when bagging or mulching. Service Intervals Servicing Your Machine • Bagger blades. These blades are designed for optimal performance when used with bagger attachments. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Operating in extreme conditions may require more frequent service intervals: • Mulching blades. These blades are designed for optimal performance when used with a mulch cover installed. • Engine components may become dirty or plugged when operating in extreme heat, dust or other severe conditions.
Mowing Tips The following recommendations will produce the best lawn cut quality and appearance: • Engine oil can degrade if machine is operated constantly at slow or low engine speeds or for frequent short periods of time. Please use the following timetables to perform routine maintenance on your machine. • Keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades will tear grass; tips of grass will then turn brown. • Cutting grass too short may kill grass and let weeds grow easily. The suggested finished cut height range is 44 - 70 mm (1.75 - 2.75 in.). Intervals • Adjust cutting height to remove only 1/3 of the grass at a time. After First 8 Hours • Change engine oil. • Do not mow wet grass.
• On 107 cm (42 in.) deck: Check and adjust mower deck belt tension. • Mow grass often. Short grass clippings will decay quickly. • Mow with engine at full throttle. • On 107 cm (42 in.) deck: Check and adjust mower deck spindle brakes. • Adjust travel speed to match mowing conditions: • Lubricate mower spindles • Lubricate mower pivot points. Service Intervals - 23