OPERATION
20
If your grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height
setting, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don’t take off more than one
third of total grass height in any one mowing, or brown patches may
develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained on page 10.
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches. If
the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower mowing
swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST
throttle setting. If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is
being overloaded by the blades trying to cut too much grass. Mow a
narrower swath, move the mower slower, install the discharge chute,
or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don’t cut cleanly
anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a
problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the grass
is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet
grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the
lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick up
fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amounts of
fallen leaves, and not for mowing, set the cutting height adjustment
levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher than
the rear.