17
Operation
Proper Mulching
Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and
recuts 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 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
BROADCASTING
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 1/2 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.
Figure 4. Mulching Action
MOWING METHODS
Proper Broadcast Mowing
Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine
clippings evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf
courses use this method. Your mower has a deep
dish deck to allow freer circulation of clippings so they
are broadcast evenly over the lawn.
ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR
BROADCASTING
Always operate the engine at full throttle when
mowing. If you hear the engine slowing down, you
are mowing too fast—using a slower ground speed
will improve the cutting efficiency of the blades and
prevents many common cutting problems.
ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the
thickness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd
gear or slower for manual gear models). If you hear
the engine slowing down you are mowing too fast,
use a slower ground speed.
HOW MUCH GRASS TO CUT OFF WHEN
BROADCASTING
Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut
the grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut
off more that 1 inch of grass in a single pass
Where possible, make one or two passes around the
outside of the area discharging the grass INTO the
lawn to keep the cut grass off fences and walks.
The remainder of the mowing should be done in the
opposite direction so that the clippings are dispersed
OUT onto the area of lawn previously cut.
Not
for
Reproduction
