Operation

Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and 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 too high to cut. Mulching requires that the grass be dry and the appropriate amount be cut.

Attaching a Trailer

The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with a appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 10) and clip

(B).

Excessive towed weight 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. 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-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

discharging) or grass bagging operation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR MULCHING

 

 

 

 

 

 

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

speed while mulching should be HALF of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 proper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mulching operation.

Not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best mulching action typically results from cutting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 10. Trailer Weight Recommendations

provides short clippings which decompose prop rly

 

 

A. Clevis Pin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. The ideal cutting height will vary with climate, time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Clip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reproduction

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

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