Blade Speed; Blade Sharpness; Dry Grass; Wet Grass - Honda HRT216SDA Harmony II Owner's Manual

OPERATION

Blade Speed

The blade must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the FAST
throttle setting. 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, install the discharge chute,
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 blades don't cut cleanly
anymore, have them 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 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 the 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.
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