5. OPERATION
30
E
Blade Speed
The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the fast throttle
setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm.
If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the
blade trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower
slower, or raise the cutting height.
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
When equipped with a grass bag, 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.
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. In places where fallen leaves completely cover
the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or install a 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.
