3
3.
Replace the blades with the mulching blades included in the kit. Be sure to install each blade with the side
marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the
operating position. Be certain to mount the SHORT BLADE to the CENTER SPINDLE. Refer to Figure 1.
IMPORTANT:
Use a torque wrench to tighten each blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds
and 90 foot-pounds.
INSERTING THE MULCH PLUG
4.
After mounting the new blades, gently flip the cutting deck right side up.
5.
Insert the machine screw up through the mulch plug and fasten it in place with the lock nut. See Figure 2.
6.
Pivot the discharge chute upward as shown in Figure 2 and carefully insert the mulch plug into the
discharge chute opening.
NOTE:
It is not necessary to remove the discharge chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed. It
is also unnecessary to remount the old blades should you choose to operate the mower without the mulch
plug installed. Simply remove the mulch plug and allow the clippings to discharge as you normally would.
Figure 2
7.
Make sure the mulch plug is firmly attached to the cutting deck by aligning the machine screw in the
mulch plug with the hole in the deck surface and fastening with the plastic wing nut. Refer to Figure 2.
8.
Carefully remount the cutting deck to the tractor once installation is complete.
SECTION 4: OPERATION
This mulch kit incorporates special blades in a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the
cutting deck. After which, the ultra-fine clippings are forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural
fertilizer. Regard the following recommendations for the best results when mulching.
• Clear the lawn of all debris prior to mowing. Running over stick, rocks, children’s toys, etc. can damage
the mulching blades and make them less effective. Such objects can also be thrown by the mower and
cause serious personal injury or damage to surrounding property, even with the mulch plug in place.
• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting
deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
• Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches.
Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.
WARNING:
Do NOT under any circumstances attempt to mow through grass which exceeds ten
inches in height. Debris may build up on the mowing deck and come into contact with belts and
other moving parts or the engine’s exhaust system presenting a potential fire hazard.
• Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass clippings more time to effectively be mulched.
• To allow the blades to mulch properly, ALWAYS keep the engine at full throttle.
Discharge Chute
Mulch Plug
Machine Screw
Plastic Wing Nut
Lock Nut
Hole
