PREPARATION
MODELS WITH OPTIONAL MULCHER PLATE
MULCHER PLATE
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WARNING: Before you remove or install the mulcher kit, discon- nect the wire to the spark plug.
On some models the mulcher kit is installed at the factory. To convert from a mulcher to a side discharge, remove the mulcher plate.
A side discharge mower can be converted to a mulching mower by installing the mulcher plate as follows:
1. Raise the chute deflector (Figure 8).
Chute |
Deflector |
Bump |
Tab |
Mulcher Plate |
Figure 8 |
2.Align the mulcher plate with the side dis- charge opening. Make sure that the two alignment bumps are inside of the open- ing.
3.Mount the tab on the top of the mulcher plate to the inside of the mower housing.
4.Mount the tab on the bottom of the mul- cher plate to the inside of the mower housing (Figure 9).
| Chute |
| Deflector |
Bump |
|
Tab |
|
Mulcher Plate | Figure 9 |
|
5.Lower the chute deflector.
6.Attach the wire to the spark plug.
MULCHING TIPS
Mulching finely cuts the grass so that the grass can be easily recycled. Because the nutrients are returned to the soil, the lawn will need less fertilizer. To correctly mulch the lawn, follow the tips below.
SThe grass must be dry. If the grass is wet, it will be difficult to cut and cause heavy clumps of grass.
SThe grass must not be too tall. The maxi- mum height to effectively cut is 4 1/2 in- ches. Set the height adjusters so that only the top third of the grass is cut.
SIf the grass is more than 4 1/2 inches high, two mowings will be necessary. For the first mowing, set the height adjusters in the highest position. Then, lower the height ad- justers for the second mowing.
SKeep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become brown.
SClean the underside of the mower housing. Grass and other debris can keep the mow- er from working correctly.
If the quality of cut is marginal, try the following:
SSet the height adjusters at a higher cutting height.
SCut the grass more frequently.
SOperate the mower at a slower ground speed.
SOverlap the cutting swaths instead of cut- ting a full swath with each pass.
SMow across the marginal areas a second time.
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