Operator's Manual

25
Side Discharge
The mower has a hinged discharge deflector
that disperses clippings to the side and down
toward the turf.
Without the discharge deflector, mulch
kit, or entire grass collection system
mounted in place, you and others are
exposed to blade contact and thrown
debris. Contact with rotating mower
blades and thrown debris will cause
injury or death.
• Never remove the discharge deflector
from the mower because the
discharge deflector routes material
down toward the turf. If the
discharge deflector is ever damaged,
replace it immediately.
• Never put your hands or feet under
the mower.
• Never try to clear discharge area or
mower blade(s) unless you move the
blade control switch to Off and rotate
the ignition key to Off. Also remove
the key and pull the wire off the
spark plug(s).
Operating Tips
Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation,
operate the engine at the Fast position. Air is
required to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so
do not set the height-of-cut so low as to totally
surround the mower by uncut grass. Always
try to have one side of the mower free from
uncut grass, which allows air to be drawn into
the mower.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to
ensure that the cutting height of the mower
does not scalp any uneven ground. However,
the cutting height used in the past is generally
the best one to use. When cutting grass
longer than six inches tall, you may want to
cut the lawn twice to ensure an acceptable
quality of cut.
Cut 1/3 of the Grass Blade
It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass
blade. Cutting more than that is not
recommended unless grass is sparse, or it is
late fall when grass grows more slowly.
Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass
standing straight. This also helps disperse
clippings which enhances decomposition and
fertilization.
Mow at Correct Intervals
Normally, mow every four days. But
remember, grass grows at different rates at
different times. So to maintain the same
cutting height, which is a good practice, mow
more often in early spring. As the grass
growth rate slows in mid summer, mow less
frequently. If you cannot mow for an
extended period, first mow at a high cutting
height; then mow again two days later at a
lower height setting.
Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground
speed.
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the mower is wider than
the mower you previously used, raise the
cutting height to ensure that uneven turf is not
cut too short.
Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly
longer than normal, or if it contains a high
degree of moisture, raise the cutting height
higher than usual and cut the grass at this
setting. Then cut the grass again using the
lower, normal setting.
When Stopping
If the machine’s forward motion must be
stopped while mowing, a clump of grass
clippings may drop onto your lawn. To avoid
this, move onto a previously cut area with the
blades engaged.