PREPARATION
MULCHER PLATE
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
or install the mulcher kit, discon-
_1= WARNING: Before you remove 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 7).
Chute
Deflector
Tab
Mulcher Plate
Figure 7
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.
2.Mount the tab on the top of the mulcher plate to the inside of the mower housing.
3.Mount the tab on the bottomofthe mulcher plate to the inside of the mower housing
(Figure 8).
Chute
Deflector
Mulcher Plate
Figure 8
4.Lower the chute deflector.
Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become brown.
Clean the underside of the mower housing. Grass and other debris can keep the mow- er from working correctly.
•The grass must be dry. If the grass is wet, it will be difficult to cut and cause heavy clumps of grass.
•The grass must not be too tall. The maxi- mum height to effectively cut is 4 112 in- ches. Set the height adjusters so that only the top third of the grass is cut.
•If 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, tower the height ad-
justera for the second mowing.
If the quality of cut is marginal, try the following:
Set the height adjusters at a higher cutting height.
•Cut the grass more frequently.
Operate the mower at a slower ground speed.
•Overlap the cutting swaths instead of cut- ting a full swath with each pass.
Mow across the marginal areas a second time.
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