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.

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR

BROADCASTING

Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed while mulching should be HALF of 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.

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

MULCHING REQUIRES EXCELLENT MOWING

 

The best mulching action typically results from cutting

 

only the top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This

CONDITIONS

 

 

Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass

provides short clippings which decompose properly

(much more quickly than longer clippings). The ideal

is wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even

 

 

cutting height will vary with climate, time of year,

more than normal mowing, mulching requires that the

 

 

and quality of your lawn. We recommend that you

grass be dry and the the appropriate amount is cut.

 

 

experiment with both the cutting height and ground

Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during

 

 

speed until you achieve the best cut. Start with a high

the first two or three mowings in the spring. The

 

cutting height and using progressively lower settings

loss of control on slopes. Reduce towedReproductionweight when

long grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter

 

until you find a cutting height that is matched to your

conditions are more suitable for broadcasting (side-

 

mowing conditions a d preferences.

discharging) or grass bagging operation.

for

 

Not

 

 

 

 

 

Mulching Action

ATTACHING A TRAILER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trail r with a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 12) and clip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(B).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 12. Trailer Weight Recommendations

 

 

 

A. Clevis Pin

 

 

 

B. Clip

23