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 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with a appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 12) 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reproduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

 

The best mulching action typically results from cutting

 

Figure 12. Trailer Weight Recommendations

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

A. Clevis Pin

provides short clippings which decompose properly

B. Clip

(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.

 

Figure 11. Mulching Action

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