5. OPERATION
33
E
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving shredded
ends that turn brown. When your blade doesn't cut cleanly anymore, have it
sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the carburetor air filter.
If dust is a problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the
grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet grass
clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the lawn. Always
wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
Your mower can be used to pick up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the
mower to bag large amounts of fallen leaves, and not for mowing, set the
cutting height adjustment levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two
settings higher than the rear. To start, position the clip director knob in the #9
position (not quite full mulching). This setting will allow the leaves to be
recirculated and recut until the particles are small enough to pass though the
sliding door opening and into the grass bag. Depending on the size, type, and
water content of the leaves, it may be necessary to open the sliding door to
allow for best bagging results. Using the sliding door correctly will allow better
grass bag filling resulting in less grass bag emptying. Be sure there are no
obstacles, including rocks, hidden under the leaves.
If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don't let the leaf cover get
too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching while grass still
shows through the leaf cover. Position the clip director knob in the MULCH
position. In places where fallen leaves completely cover the grass, remove
the leaves by raking, or use the grass bag, so your mower can pick them up
for disposal.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the fuel valve
to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected, tilt the mower so
the carburetor side is up.
Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.
HRX537HXE-HME.book Page 33 Friday, March 18, 2005 9:54 AM
