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 13) 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 long

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

conditions are more suitable for broadcasting (side-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

speed while mulching should be HALF f 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 proper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mulching operation.

Not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best mulching action typically results from cutting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 13. 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 prop rly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reproduction

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 12. Mulching Action

Operation

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