Ferris FAST-Vac Operator's manual - Warning

Not for 

Reproduction

5

General Operating Instructions

GENERAL OPERATING 

INSTRUCTIONS

Before Operation

Clear the lawn of all sticks, stones, wire and other 

debris which may be caught or thrown by the mower 

blades.

WARNING

ALWAYS shut off the tractor, disengage 

the PTO and allow all moving parts to stop 

BEFORE disconnecting or clearing tube, or 

emptying catcher.

Before leaving the operator’s position for any 

reason, engage the parking brake, disengage 

the PTO, stop the engine and remove the key.

To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, rider 

and mower free of grass, leaves and excess 

grease. Do not stop or park rider over dry 

leaves, grass or combustible materials.

CAUTION

This machine produces sound levels 

in excess of 85 dBA at the operator’s 

ear and can cause hearing loss though 

extended periods of exposure.

Wear hearing protection when operating this 

machine.

After Operation

Remove any debris from the screen on the underside 

of the lid.  Note: The lid screen can be partially 

removed for easier cleaning and should be cleaned 

regularly.

The blower housing and tube should be removed for 

cleaning. 

Inspect the grass bags for wear or damage.  Make 

sure that there is a snug fit between mower deck, 

blower housing, tubes, and grass catcher cover.

Storing the Grass Catcher

Clean the grass catcher thoroughly using a mild 

detergent (other products may damage the tube).  

Remove any debris from the screen on the underside 

of the lid. The screen can be partially removed for 

easier cleaning.

If paint has been scratched on metal parts, touch 

up with paint, or apply a thin film of oil to prevent 

corrosion.

Store in a dry area.  Hang the catcher and catcher 

bags to dry thoroughly before storing for a long period 

of time. Always store away from moisture.

Mowing Without the Blower

For operation without the blower, the deflector must 

be properly installed in the down position.

To remove the blower, reverse the installation steps.

Check grass condition. If wet, wait until later in the 

day. If grass is wet, the grass catcher is likely to 

become plugged.

For efficient bagging, air circulation under the 

mower deck, through the chute and into the bag is 

very important. 

For this reason, BEFORE YOU BEGIN MOWING you 

should make certain the underside of the mower and 

the underside of the catcher lid are free from grass 

and debris.

Make sure that there is a snug fit between mower 

deck, blower housing, tubes, and grass catcher cover.

Mowing with the Double / Triple Catcher

Always operate with throttle at full speed when 

mowing.

Always wear hearing protection when operating 

grass catcher.

Grass should be cut often, and not too short. If grass 

is too long or lush it may be necessary to keep ground 

speed to a minimum or to cut only half the width of the 

mower to prevent clogging.  If grass is long, operate 

with mower in high cutting position for first pass, 

cutting again in a lower position on a second pass.

Do not open the cover with mower engaged.

If a large amount of cut grass is spilling out from 

under deck, the tube may be plugged or the bags 

may be full— discontinue mowing, stop the rider, 

disengage the PTO and then empty the catcher or 

clear the tube.