Honda HRX217TDA Owner's Manual page 29

OPERATION
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blade 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 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
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. To start, position the Clip
Director knob in the #9 position (not quite full mulching). This setting
will allow the leaves to be recirculated and recut until the particles are
small enough to pass though the sliding door opening and into the
grass bag. Depending on the size, type, and water content of the
leaves, it may be necessary to open the sliding door to allow for best
bagging results. Using the sliding door correctly will allow better grass
bag filling, resulting in less grass bag emptying. Be sure there are no
obstacles, including rocks, hidden under the leaves.
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 use the
grass bag, so your mower can pick them up for disposal. Position the
Clip Director knob in the MULCH position.
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 air cleaner side is up.
Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.
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