MTD Series 430 Thru 439 Operating Your Lawn Mower, Bagging Grass Clippings, Using the Mulcher

Operating Your Lawn Mower

•Once the engine has started, squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle to run the lawn mower.

•Do not operate the mower without the mulching cover, the grass catcher bag, or the discharge chute properly installed.

•Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

•For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing proper discharge of grass clippings, poor mulching conditions, and could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.

•For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be trimmed in fall as long as there is growth.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage.

Bagging Grass Clippings

You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.

•Attach the grass catcher following instructions on page 8 of this manual. Grass clippings will automatically collect in the bag as you run mower.

•Operate mower till the grass bag is full.

•Stop the engine completely by releasing the control handle. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

•Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to dispose of the grass clippings.

Using the Mulcher

•For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing proper mulching of grass clippings. New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. The ground speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4", mulching is not recommended. Mow using the grass bag (if so equipped) to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4" maximum before mulching.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Refer to height adjustments section of this manual on page 14 for instruction on how to adjust the cutting height and the handle height.

•For best results in mowing, keep the cutting height position high until you have determined which cutting height is preferred.

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