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Operating Tips
• For the best performance, operate the engine at
the maximum speed. The mower requires air to
thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the
height-of-cut too low or completely surround the
mower in uncut grass. Always leave one side of the
mower free from uncut grass to allow the air to be
drawn into the mower.
• Cut the grass slightly longer than normal to ensure
that the cutting height of the mower does not scalp
any uneven ground. When cutting grass longer than
6 inches (15 cm) tall, cut the lawn twice to ensure an
acceptable appearance.
• It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade.
Do not cut more than that unless the grass is sparse
or it is late fall when grass grows more slowly.
• Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass
standing straight. This also helps disperse clippings
and enhances decomposition and fertilization.
• Grass grows at different rates at different times of
the season. To maintain the same cutting height,
which is a good practice, mow more often in early
spring. As the grass growth rate slows in mid
summer, mow less frequently.
• If the grass is longer than normal, or if it contains
a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height
higher than usual, cut the grass at that setting, and
then cut the grass again at the lower, normal setting.
• If you must stop the machine while mowing, you
may leave a clump of grass clippings on your lawn.
To avoid this, do the following:
– Engage the blades and move to a previously cut
area.
– Disperse the clippings evenly by raising the
mower 1 or 2 height-of-cut settings while driving
forward with the blades engaged.
• Use the washout port to clean clippings and dirt
from the underside of the mower after each use. If
grass and dirt build up inside the mower, the cutting
quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.
• Maintain sharp blades throughout the season. Sharp
blades cut grass cleanly without tearing or shredding
the grass blades. Tearing and shredding the grass
turns it brown at the edges, which slows its growth
and increases the chance of disease. Every 30 days,
check the blades for sharpness and file down any
nicks.
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