4
Installing the Blades and
Mower
Parts needed for this procedure:
2
Mulching mower blade
Procedure
1.
Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (
).
Important:
The sail area (curved part) of the
blade must be pointing upward toward the inside
of the mower to ensure proper cutting.
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1
2
3
4
Figure 6
1.
Sail area of blade
3.
Curved washer
2.
Blade
4.
Blade bolt
2.
Install the curved washer (cupped side toward the
blade) and the blade bolt (
Note:
Do not install a blade stiffener. These blades
do not require the blade stiffener (
).
3.
Torque the blade bolt to 47-88 N-m (35-65 ft-lb).
4.
Install the mower as described in your
Operator’s Manual
.
5.
Install the spark plug cables and ignition key.
Operation
Converting to Side-Discharge
Operation
1.
Reverse the steps in
4 Installing the Blades and Mower
(page 4)
.
2.
Reverse the steps in
3 Installing the Kit (page 2)
to
remove the kicker plate and baffle assembly.
3.
Install the discharge baffle.
4.
Plug all open holes in the deck.
5.
Install standard blades as described in the
Operator’s
Manual
.
Operating Tips
Selecting the Proper Height-of-Cut
Setting to Suit the Conditions
Remove approximately 1 inch or no more that 1/3 of the
grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally lush and dense
grass you may have to raise the height-of-cut setting another
notch or convert to side discharge or bagging operations.
Mowing in Extreme Conditions
Air is required to cut and recut grass clippings in the mower
housing, so do not set the height-of-cut too low or totally
surround the housing by uncut grass. Always have one side
of the mower housing free from uncut grass, allowing air to
be drawn into housing. When making an initial cut through
the center of the uncut area, operate the machine at a slower
speed and back up if the mower starts to clog.
Mowing at the Proper Intervals
Under normal conditions you will need to mow every 4-5
days. However, grass grows at different rates at different
times. In order to maintain the same height-of-cut, you will
need to cut more frequently in early spring; as the grass
growth rate slows in mid summer, cut only every 8-10 days.
If you are unable to mow for an extended period due to the
weather conditions or other reasons, convert to side discharge
or bagging options or mow first with the height-of-cut at a
high level; then mow again 2-3 days later with a lower height
setting.
Mowing with Sharp Blades
A sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing or shredding
the grass blade like a dull blade. Tearing and shredding causes
the grass to turn brown at the edges which impairs growth
and increases susceptibility to disease.
Cleaning after Operating
To ensure optimum performance, clean the underside of the
mower housing. If residue builds up in the mower housing,
cutting performance will decrease.
4
