Not for
Reproduction
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Mulching
Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and re-cuts
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
appropriate amount is cut.
Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the
first two or three mowings in the spring. The long grass
blades, quick growth, and often wetter conditions are more
suitable for broadcasting (side-discharging) or grass bagging
operation.
Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Mulching:
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:
The best mulching action typically results from cutting only
the top ½ inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides
short clippings which decompose properly (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 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.
Pushing the Unit by Hand
NOTICE
Towing the unit while the transmission is
engaged will cause transmission damage. Do NOT use
another vehicle to push or pull this unit.
1. Release the blade engagement lever to stop the blades
and move the throttle control and engine shut down lever
to the OFF position to stop the engine.
2. Locate the transmission release lever (A, Figure 17) on
the engine deck of the unit behind the engine.
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3. To open the transmission bypass valves (bypass position)
(B) pull the transmission release lever up away from the
engine deck.
4. The unit can now pushed by hand.
5. After moving the unit close the bypass valves (run
position) (C) by pushing the transmission release lever
down towards the engine deck.
Storage
When preparing this unit for storage you must follow
the procedures listed in this manual and in the engine
manufacturer's operator's manual.
Temporary Storage (30 Days or Less)
Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so
never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel
vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also
toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used
for human or animal habitation.
WARNING
Never store the unit with gasoline in the engine or fuel
tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame,
spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes
dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and
careless use could result in serious fire damage to your
person or property.
Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from
open flame or sparks.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit
temporarily or in between uses:
• Keep the unit in an area away from where children
may come into contact with it. If there’s any chance of
unauthorized use, remove the spark plug(s) and put in a