sunjoe MJ503M, Operator'S Manual

7

3.  To loosen the blades, use the hex wrench provided and 

turn both adjustment screws by an equal amount  

counterclockwise.

4.  To tighten the blades, tighten both screws by an equal 

amount by turning them clockwise.

NOTE: If you have any questions, please call the Snow Joe

® 

 + 

Sun Joe

®

 customer service department at 1-866-SNOWJOE 

(1-866-766-9563) for assistance.

5.  Once the mower blades have been properly adjusted and 

their alignment has been verified, you can now proceed 

to use your reel mower. Align the cutting path indication 

arrow with the previously cut path.

  NOTE: The width of the reel mower's actual cut is 

indicated below. Do not use the mower's wheels as a 

reference point for the grass cut line.

Mowing Tips

Follow the 1/3 Rule

The 1/3 rule is key to an enjoyable mowing experience and a 

healthy lawn.

1.  You should mow your lawn regularly, at least once a week, 

during the growing season.

2.  Be guided by observing the lawn and taking care not to 

remove more than 1/3 of the total height of the turf at any 

mowing session and never more than 1 inch at a time  

(Fig. 8).

3.  Following this rule will stimulate the turf’s root growth, 

maintain its health, and encourage its natural ability to 

crowd out unwanted weeds.

Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting

1.  For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at the 

mower's maximum setting for the first pass, and then 

reset it to the desired height and mow a second or third 

time (Fig. 9).

2.  Removing too much of the turf’s height, especially in the 

heat of summer, can cause root shock and weaken the 

lawn; bringing down the height by successive mowing 

over two or more days can avoid this damage and 

maintain the health of the turf.

3.  If the lawn is overgrown (to higher than 4 inches) it may be 

necessary to use a brush cutter to remove the excess turf 

mass before resuming mowing at normal heights.

NOTE: Do not cover the grass surface with a heavy layer 

of clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and 

starting a compost pile.

Transporting the Mower 

During normal operation, the blade reel will turn anytime the 

mower's front wheels are turning. To safely move the mower 

from one location to another without the blade reel turning, 

simply pivot the handle over the reel and push the mower from 

the opposite side. Pushing the mower in this manner (transport 

mode) prohibits the blade reel from turning (Fig. 10).

1/3

1"

Fig. 8

Cut here on 

first pass

Cut here on 

second pass

Fig. 9

R

Handle

Fig. 10