Grass Cutting - Stiga MP1 504 Series Operator's Manual

2.4 Converter control lever (if fitted)
In the models with drive systems, the converter control
lever (if fitted) allows the operator to regulate forward gear
speed. To do so, move the lever (1) following the indications
provided near the control lever.
IMPORTANT The engine must be running and the drive
engaged when switching from one speed to another.
Do not touch the converter control when the engine is
stopped. Doing this could damage the converter.
NOTE If the machine does not move forward with the le-
ver in the « » position, simply move the lever to «
then immediately return to the «
IMPORTANT The engine must be running and the drive
engaged when switching from one speed to another.
Do not touch the converter control when the engine is
stopped. Doing this could damage the converter.
2.5 Cutting height adjustment
• Type "I"
T he cutting height is adjusted by the specific lever (1).
DO THIS WHEN THE CUTTING MEANS IS STATIONARY.
• Type "II"
T he cutting height is adjusted by pressing the button (1)
and, using the handgrip (2), lifting or lowering the chassis
to the desired position.
DO THIS WHEN THE CUTTING MEANS IS STATIONARY.

3. GRASS CUTTING

NOTE This machine can be used to mow lawns in a num-
ber of different ways; before starting work, prepare the ma-
chine based on how the lawn is to be mowed.
DO THIS WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF.
3.1a Preparation for mowing and grass collection
by the grass catcher:
– Lift the rear discharge guard (1) and fasten the grass
catcher (2) correctly as shown in the illustration.
3.1b Preparation for mowing and rear grass
discharge on the ground
– R emove the grass catcher and check that the rear dis-
charge guard (1) maintains its lowered position.
– I n models with side discharge potential: make sure the
side discharge guard (4) is lowered.
3.1c Preparation for mowing and
mulching (where applicable)
– O n models with a side discharge: make sure that the side
discharge guard (4) is lowered.
– L ift the rear discharge guard (1) and fit the chute cap (5)
in the discharge opening, keeping it slightly tilted to the
right. Fasten it by fitting the two pins (6) into the holes pro-
vided until the fastener tooth (7) clicks into place.
To remove the deflector cap (5), lift the rear discharge
guard (1) and push in the middle to release the tooth (7).
3.1d Preparation for mowing and side discharge of
grass (where applicable)
– L ift the rear discharge guard (1) and fit the chute cap (5)
in the discharge opening, keeping it slightly tilted to the
right. Fasten it by fitting the two pins (6) into the holes pro-
vided until the fastener tooth (7) clicks into place.
» and
» position.
– I nsert the side discharge chute (8) as shown in the figure.
– Close the side discharge guard (4) so that the side dis-
charge chute (8) is locked in place.
To remove the deflector cap (5), lift the rear discharge
guard (1) and push in the middle to release the tooth (7).
3.2 Engine ignition
• Models with throttle
To start the engine, set the throttle control to "Starter"
(23).
When the engine is running, set the throttle control to
"Fast" (22).
• Manual ignition models
Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle
and firmly tug the knob on the ignition cable (2).
• Electric key ignition models
Pull the cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle
and turn the ignition key (3).
• Electric push-button ignition models
Insert the consent key (4) firmly in its seat, then pull the
cutting means brake lever (1) against the handle, press
the ignition button (5) and hold until the engine is running.
Follow the instructions in the engine manual for further
details on the engine.
3.3 Mowing the lawn
The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate
cutting in both directions at the same height.
When the grass catcher is too full, grass collection is no
longer efficient and the sound of the lawnmower changes.
To remove and empty the grass catcher,
– s top the engine and wait for the cutting means to stop;
– lift the rear discharge guard, grasp the handle and re-
move the grass catcher keeping it in an erect position.
• For mulching or rear grass discharge: always avoid
removing a large quantity of grass. Never cut more
than one third of the total grass height per single pass!
Regulate the forward speed according to the lawn condi-
tions and the amount of grass removed.
• For side discharge (if applicable): it is best to mow in
a pattern where cut grass is not discharged on the grass
still to be cut.
• For a grass catcher with contents indicator device
(if applicable): while working with the cutting means
running, the indicator remains raised for as long as the
grass catcher is able to hold cut grass; when it lowers, it
means that the grass catcher is full and must be emptied.
Lawn care recommendations
Each type of grass has different characteristics and may
thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always
read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for
the growing conditions in the work area.
Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one
or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged
and growth is more difficult.
The following indications generally apply:
– c utting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a
"spotted" appearance;
– i n the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the
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