Honda HRJ216 Owner's Manual page 37

Blade Speed
The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the HIGH 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 cutter housing and collect in clumps on the lawn.
Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick up fall-
en leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amount of fallen
leaves, and not for mowing, set the cutting height adjustment lever at high-
est setting.
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.
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