Mowing Guide

1) Access and Security

Access to the equipment container

1. Use a gate key to unlock the gates to the field and to unlock the top lock on the door to the clubhouse
2. Use your security code to disarm the alarm
3. Use your container key to unlock the container where the mower is stored.  The container is protected by the security system so it must be disabled before you open the container.

Securing the facility when leaving

4. When you are finished mowing and cleaning/servicing the equipment, store the mower and trimmer back in the container and lock it. 
5. If you are the last pilot with a security code you must enable the alarm system and lock the clubhouse,
6. If you are the last pilot at the field, lock the gates on your way out.

2) Mowing Pattern

It is recommended that mowers team up in pairs if possible so that one can trim while the other mows and to move the picnic table or other light structures out of the way.

1. First use the trimmer around heli pads, the clubhouse area, the playground, fences, and any other areas which you cannot reach with the mower.
2. With the mower, make 2 or 3 passes in a counter clockwise direction around the flight line.  This will blow the cuttings away from the flight line.
3. At slow speeds mow around the fences, the clubhouse, the playground, etc.  Be careful not to drive over the pit area as the tires will damage the materials we have laid down in those areas.
4. Divide the rest of the mowing area up into convenient rectangles and mow each in a counterclockwise direction so that the mower does not mow over its own clippings as that is very hard on the mower. 
5. The club rule is that No Flying is to occur while the field is being mowed.  It takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to mow the site (not including trimming) so if there are pilots waiting, its up to the mowers discretion whether to authorize flying while mowing South of the runway, or while taking breaks, etc.

North

South

3 Mower Operation and Maintenance

Checking Oil and Gas

1. Before mowing, check and fill both gas tanks (on either side of the driver’s seat). 
2. Also check the oil level and add oil if necessary. 

Starting

It’s recommended that all mowers wear ear protection.  A set of over-the-ear (headphone) protectors should be on or near the mower in the storage container or you can bring your own in-the-ear protectors.

1. Set the throttle to approximately ½
2. Ensure the mower blades are NOT engaged (if the red handle is pointing away from the driver seat, rotate it counter clockwise ½ turn)
3. Ensure the steering arms are in the full outward position
4. If engine is cold, pull out the choke (the figure shows the location of the choke and ignition switch but the switches themselves are not visible)
5. Turn the ignition switch to start the engine
6. After the engine is running, push in the choke (you usually do not have to wait for the engine to warm up)
7. When restarting a warm engine, you usually do not need to use the choke

There are also controls (not highlighted in the figure) for lowering the discharge guard and for the emergency brake.  Use as needed…

Running

When driving into and out of the container, make sure the blades are NOT engaged and the mower deck is at its highest position.

1.     Ensure the area around the mower is clear

2.     Set the mower deck height to approximately 3 or 3 ½ inches by pressing on the top of the pedal to release the lock and allow the deck to drop to mowing height

3.     Increase the throttle to full (fully forward position)

4.     Engage the blades by turning the red blade control handle ½ turn clockwise (the red handle will be pointing away from the drivers seat and you will be able to hear the blades engage)

5.     Adjust the throttle for a comfortable and safe mowing speed but not too low as the engine will bog down

6.     Pull the steering arms to the center to engage the transmission.  The right arm controls the right rear wheel, and the left arm controls the left rear wheel.  Move the arms forward or backward in unison to drive forward or reverse.  Move arms in opposite directions to turn. In the central (neutral) position the wheels will not be turning. You can adjust the wheel speed by varying the distance you move the steering arm. 

7.     Go slowly around tight corners and obstacles for better control.  If you’re having difficulty controlling the speed with the steering arms then reduce throttle but be careful not to bog down the engine.

Stopping, Cleanup, and Storage

1. When you are finished mowing, disengage the blades, and adjust the mower deck to its highest position
2. Clean off the mower deck and wheels using the water hose near the porta potty or the clubhouse.  Be careful not to spray the engine or transmissions (on the inside of each rear wheel) as they are extremely hot.
3. Refill the gas tanks as a courtesy to the next mower
4. Carefully drive the mower back into the container

Trimming 

1. Use the trimmer to trim areas you were not able to get to with the mower (around the taxi area, fences, clubhouse, playground, etc.) 
2. Use only the gas can marked Gas and Oil Mix when refilling the trimmer.  
3. Notify the mowing coordinator if there is no spare trimmer string in the container.