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 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 the appropriate amount is cut.

Attaching a Trailer

The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 300 lbs (138kg). Secure the trailer with an appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 9) and clip

(B).

Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes. The surface being driven on greatly impacts traction and stability. Wet or slippery surfaces can greatly reduce traction and the ability to stop or turn. Carefully evaluate the surface conditions before operating the unit and trailer, and never operate on slopes greater than 10°. See SLOPE OPERATION and TOWED EQUIPMENT in the safety section of this manual for additional safety information.

Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during

 

 

 

the first two or three mowings in the spring. The

A

 

 

long grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter

 

 

conditions are more suitable for broadcasting (side-

for

 

 

discharging) or grass bagging operation.

 

 

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR

 

 

BROADCASTING

 

B

 

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

 

300

bs.

discharging) under similar conditions. Since mulching

 

 

L

requires more horsepower than broadcasting, using

 

(136kg)

a slower ground speed is vitally important for p oper

 

3'4"

 

 

mulching operation.

Not

 

10˚

(1m)

 

 

 

 

 

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

 

 

20' (6m)

 

The best mulching action typically results from cutting

 

 

 

only the top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This

Figure 9. Trailer Weight Recommendations

provides short clippings which decompose prop rly

A. Clevis Pin

 

 

(much more quickly than longer clippings). The ideal

B. Clip

 

 

cutting height will vary with climate, timeReproductionof 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.

Mulching Action

22

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