Maintenance

MULCHING TIPS

In the mulching configuration your new mower is designed to re-cut the grass clippings into short lengths.

These clippings, which are dispersed as you mow will biodegrade quickly and provide nutrients for the lawn.

•Set mower at highest cutting height when mowing in rough ground or in tall weed.

•Avoid cutting the lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps with the mulching action. The best time to cut your lawn is in the afternoon.

•For best results, adjust the lawnmower cutting height so that the lawnmower cuts off only the top third of the grass blades.

•If your lawn is overgrown it may be necessary to increase the cutting height to reduce the pushing effect and prevent overloading the motor.

•For extremely heavy mulching make narrower cuts and mow slowly.

•Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week and east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to unclog the blade chamber by dropping or tapping the tool on the ground. This can damage the unit. Keep hands clear of blade when cleaning.

DISCHARGING

The mower is designed to disperse the clippings back to the lawn.

1.Discharging may be necessary if the grass fills the optional bag too quickly.

2.Clippings may be further dispersed, if needed, by blowing them with a yard blower.

3.In heavy grass conditions, a narrower pass may be required

OPTIONAL GRASS BAG (AVAILABLE AS AN OPTION AT EXTRA COST)

It is recommended to bag the clippings for the first few spring mowings and the last mowing of the season to discourage diseases.

1.Bagging the clipping is sometimes preferred to reduce tracking of clippings into pools, hot tubs, and homes.

2.Clippings can be added to your compost bin and used later for a natural fertilizer.

CLEANING AND STORAGE

Warning! Be sure the tool is unplugged.

Remove and clean any debris from the outside of the mower and inside of guard before storage. Store under cover. See MAINTENANCE section.

NOTE: Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals. Such storage can cause rapid corrosion to metal parts.

Preventing Corrosion

Fertilizers and other garden chemicals contain agents that greatly accelerate the corrosion of metals. If you use the tool in areas where fertilizers or chemicals have been used, the tool should be cleaned immediately afterwards.

Wipe all exposed parts with a damp cloth. You may lubricate only metal parts with a light petroleum based oil. Do not lubricate wheels.

Cleaning out the underside of the mower is done easiest immediately after mowing (ENSURE MOWER IS UNPLUGGED AND BLADE HAS STOPPED). A rag, crumpled newspaper or paper towels, can be used to wipe out caked clippings.

A clean mowing deck improves the efficiency of the blade and maintains high

performance. When cleaning, DO NOT immerse tool in water or squirt it with a hose or pressure washer. Use only mild soap and damp cloth to clean the mower. Never let any liquid get inside the mower; never immerse any part of the mower into a liquid.

Before each mowing session unplug the mower and ensure that the blade has stopped. Check all nuts, bolts and screws to ensure proper tightness, Be sure to check the blade fastening system.

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified service organizations. Use only identical replacement parts.

Inspect and thoroughly clean your mower at the beginning of each mowing season for longer life and better performance.

From time to time turn the mower off and wait for the blade to stop. Then unplug the power cord and turn the mower on its side. Using an object such as a stick or rag, wipe out any accumulation of grass in the blade area. Also clean out any grass or debris which may be packed around the discharge/mulch door area. Be careful of the sharp edges of the blade.

REMOVING AND ATTACHING BLADES (FIGURE 10,11,12)

1.RELEASE SWITCH LEVER TO TURN MOWER OFF, WAIT FOR THE BLADE TO STOP, AND UNPLUG MOWER!

2.Use a piece of 2x4 wood (about 2 feet long) to keep blade from turning while removing blade nut.

3.Wear gloves. Position wood and remove nut as shown in Figure 10.

4.Remove lower blade spacer, lower insulator washer and blade. (Figure 11)

5.When replacing sharpened or new blade on shoulder of fan, make sure the “GRASS SIDE” identification on the blade is facing the ground. Place lower insulator washer over shoulder of the fan. Now place lower blade spacer and the blade nut on the shaft.

NOTE: Align flats of shaft with flats in lower insulator washer and lower the blade space. Position wood to keep shaft from turning (Figure 12) and then securely tighten blade nut.

SHARPENING AND BALANCING THE BLADE: (FIGURE 13,14)

1.BE SURE THE SWITCH LEVER IS RELEASED AND THE BLADE HAS STOPPED AND THE CORD UNPLUGGED BEFORE REMOVING THE BLADE.

2.Remove blade from mower. See instructions for removing and attaching blade.

3.Secure blade in a vise as shown in Figure 13.

4.Wear safety glasses and be careful not to cut yourself.

5.Carefully file the cutting edges of the blade with a fine tooth file or sharpening stone.

6.Check balance of blade by placing centre hole in blade over a nail or screwdriver shank, clamped horizontally in a vise. If either end of the blade rotates down, file off additional material from that end. Blade is properly balanced when neither end drops. (Figure 14)

7.Replace blade on mower and tighten securely.

LUBRICATION:

No lubrication is necessary. Do not oil the wheels. They have plastic bearing surfaces which require no lubrication.