Mowing Tips - Honda HRN536C Operator's Manual

Smart Drive Control
With the engine running and
the cutting means rotating,
slowly push the Smart Drive
control to propel the mower
forward.
Ground speed will increase
as more pressure is applied
to the Smart Drive control.
After maximum ground speed is obtained, applying additional pressure
will not further increase ground speed. Apply only enough pressure to
achieve the desired speed.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage the drive when mowing
around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles for
better directional control.
Ground speed varies with terrain, grass height, slope, and grass catcher
weight. Moving the Smart Drive control allows you to maintain the desired
ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.
Adjusting the Smart Drive Control
The Smart Drive control can be adjusted
up or down into any one of five
positions for operator comfort.
Do not attempt to adjust the position of
the Smart Drive control while the
mower is in motion.
Slide the multi-position adjuster [1] to
the left to unlock the control, move the
Smart Drive control up or down into the most comfortable position, and
then release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.
Throttle Lever
VYEA Type
For best cut quality, always mow
with the throttle lever in the FAST
position. When the cutting means
rotate at the preset fast speed, they
create a strong fan action that lifts
and cuts grass more efficiently.
Do not try to increase the preset
FAST engine speed; the cutting
means could fracture and come apart.

MOWING TIPS

When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 12 ~ 25 mm above
their recommended height.
More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for catching. For best
results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the growing
season.
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few centimeters.
If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower mowing
swath.
Cutting Means Speed
The cutting means must spin very fast to cut properly.
If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded by
the cutting means trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath,
move the mower slower, or raise the cutting height.
10 EN
To prevent thumb fatigue, hold the
Smart Drive control as shown.
[1]
STOP
FAST


Cutting Means Sharpness
A sharp cutting means cuts cleanly. A dull cutting means tears the grass,
leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your cutting means 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 cutting-means enclosure and collect in clumps on
the lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass catcher, your mower can be used to pick
up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to collect large amounts of
fallen leaves, and not for mowing, adjust the front cutting height
adjustment lever so the front of the cutting-means enclosure 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 the grass catcher, so
your mower can pick them up for disposal.
Clogged Cutting-means Enclosure
Before clearing a clogged cutting-means enclosure, stop the engine and
turn the fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap
disconnected, tilt the mower so the air cleaner side is up.
Clear a clogged enclosure with a stick, not your hands.
Mowing Patterns
Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following
mowing patterns as much as possible. Cutting-means enclosure and
equipment design, and the direction in which the cutting means rotate,
cause these mowing patterns to give the best results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing pattern when
the Clip Director lever is in the MULCH position.
If the lawn has an irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections where you can
use counterclockwise mowing patterns.
Catching
Use a clockwise mowing pattern. This will
give the best Clip Director and catching
performance, leaving the least amount of
clippings on the lawn.
Rear Discharge Mowing
Remove the grass catcher and close the
discharge guard. Move the Clip Director
lever to the CATCH setting and begin
mowing in a clockwise mowing pattern. If
the lawn has an irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections.
MULCHING PATTERN
CATCHING &
REAR-DISCHARGE PATTERN