HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

Operation

Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles

decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can

 

use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching

 

mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on

Figure 11. Mulching Action

the lawn surface.

NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting

 

conditions, a rumbling sound may be present and is

 

normal.

 

MULCHING REQUIRES EXCELLENT MOWING

CONDITIONS

Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more than normal mowing, mulching requires that the grass be dry and the appropriate amount is cut.

Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during

 

the first two or three mowings in the spring. The

 

long grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter

 

 

Reproduction

conditions are more suitable for broadcasting (side-

for

discharging) or grass bagging operation.

 

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR

 

BROADCASTING

 

 

Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground

 

speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Gr und

 

speed while mulching should be HALF of the

 

speed that would be used when broadcasting (side

 

discharging) under similar conditions. Since mulching

 

requires more horsepower than broadcasting, using

 

a slower ground speed is vitally important for p oper

 

mulching operation.

Not

 

The best mulching action typically results from cutting only the top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides short clippings which decompose prop rly (much more quickly than longer clippings). The ideal cutting height will vary with climate, time of year, and quality of your lawn. We recommend that you experiment with both the cutting height and ground speed until you achieve the best cut. Start with a high cutting height and using progressively lower settings until you find a cutting height that is matched to your mowing conditions and preferences.

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