Mulching Tips - Black & Decker MM875 Instruction Manual

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MULCHING TIPS

In the mulching configuration your new mower is designed to re-cut the grass
clippings into short lengths.
These clippings, which are dispersed as you mow will biodegrade quickly and
provide nutrients for the lawn.
• Set mower at highest cutting height when mowing in rough ground or in tall weed.
• Avoid cutting the lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps with the
mulching action. The best time to cut your lawn is in the afternoon.
• For best results, adjust the lawnmower cutting height so that the lawnmower cuts
off only the top third of the grass blades.
• If your lawn is overgrown it may be necessary to increase the cutting height to
reduce the pushing effect and prevent overloading the motor.
• For extremely heavy mulching make narrower cuts and mow slowly.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week
and east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
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CAUTION:
Do not attempt to unclog the blade chamber by dropping or
tapping the tool on the ground. This can damage the unit. Keep
hands clear of blade when cleaning.
DISCHARGING
(AVAILABLE AS AN OPTION AT EXTRA COST)
The mower, with optional discharge chute, can be used to discharge grass
clippings back to the lawn.
1. Discharging may be necessary if the grass is too long to mulch or the bag fills
too quickly.
2. Clippings may be further dispersed, if needed, by blowing them with a yard
blower.
3. In heavy grass conditions, a narrower pass may be required
BAGGING
It is recommended to bag the clippings for the first few spring mowings and the
last mowing of the season to discourage diseases.
1. Bagging the clipping is sometimes preferred to reduce tracking of clippings
into pools, hot tubs, and homes.
2. Clippings can be added to your compost bin and used later for a natural
fertilizer.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
Warning! Be sure the tool is unplugged.
Remove and clean any debris from the outside of the mower and inside of guard
before storage. Store under cover. See MAINTENANCE section.
NOTE: Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals. Such storage
can cause rapid corrosion to metal parts.
Preventing Corrosion
Fertilizers and other garden chemicals contain agents that greatly accelerate the
corrosion of metals. If you use the tool in areas where fertilizers or chemicals have
been used, the tool should be cleaned immediately afterwards.
Wipe all exposed parts with a damp cloth. You may lubricate only metal parts with
a light petroleum based oil. Do not lubricate wheels.
CUTTING HEIGHT POSITIONS
Position Cut
1 (LOW) 1-1/4"
2 1-1/2"
3 1-3/4"
4 2"
5 2-1/2"
6 3"
7 3-1/4"
8 (HIGH) 3-1/2"
Cleaning out the underside of the mower is done easiest immediately after mowing
(ENSURE MOWER IS UNPLUGGED AND BLADE HAS STOPPED). A rag, crumpled
newspaper or paper towels, can be used to wipe out caked clippings.
A clean mowing deck improves the efficiency of the blade and maintains high
performance. When cleaning, DO NOT immerse tool in water or squirt it with a
hose or pressure washer. Use only mild soap and damp cloth to clean the mower.
Never let any liquid get inside the mower; never immerse any part of the mower
into a liquid.
Before each mowing session unplug the mower and ensure that the blade has
stopped. Check all nuts, bolts and screws to ensure proper tightness. Be sure to
check the blade fastening system. Inspect the mower cord - ensure it is in good
condition. Cord insulation must be intact with no cracks or deterioration.
IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and
adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified
service organizations. Use only identical replacement parts.
Inspect and thoroughly clean your mower at the beginning of each mowing season
for longer life and better performance.
From time to time turn the mower off and wait for the blade to stop. Then unplug
the power cord and turn the mower on its side. Using an object such as a stick or
rag, wipe out any accumulation of grass in the blade area. Also clean out any
grass or debris which may be packed around the discharge/mulch door area. Be
careful of the sharp edges of the blade.
REMOVING AND ATTACHING BLADES (FIGURE 9,10,11)
1. RELEASE SWITCH LEVER TO TURN MOWER OFF, WAIT FOR THE BLADE TO
STOP, AND UNPLUG MOWER!
2. Use a piece of 2x4 wood (about 2 feet long) to keep blade from turning while
removing blade nut.
3. Wear gloves. Position wood and remove nut as shown in Figure 9.
4. Remove lower blade spacer, lower insulator washer and blade. (Figure 10)
5. When replacing sharpened or new blade on shoulder of fan, make sure the
"GRASS SIDE" identification on the blade is facing the ground. Place lower
insulator washer over shoulder of the fan. Now place lower blade spacer and
the blade nut on the shaft.
NOTE: Align flats of shaft with flats in lower insulator washer and lower the blade
space. Position wood to keep shaft from turning (Figure 11) and then
securely tighten blade nut.
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SHARPENING AND BALANCING THE BLADE: (FIGURE 12,13)
1. BE SURE THE SWITCH LEVER IS RELEASED AND THE BLADE HAS STOPPED
AND THE CORD UNPLUGGED BEFORE REMOVING THE BLADE.
2. Remove blade from mower. See instructions for removing and attaching blade.
3. Secure blade in a vise as shown in Figure 12.
4. Wear safety glasses and be careful not to cut yourself.
5. Carefully file the cutting edges of the blade with a fine tooth file or sharpening
stone.
6. Check balance of blade by placing centre hole in blade over a nail or
screwdriver shank, clamped horizontally in a vise. If either end of the blade
rotates down, file off additional material from that end. Blade is properly
balanced when neither end drops. (Figure 13)
7. Replace blade on mower and tighten securely.
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MAINTENANCE
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