00X39VH7 Y210.book Page 12 Thursday, May 30, 2013 2:17 PM
MOWING TIPS
When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown 12 ~ 25 mm
above their recommended height.
More frequent mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For
best results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the
growing season.
Cutting Height
Consult a local nursery or lawn and
garden center for cutting height
recommendations and advice about
specific types of grasses and growing
conditions in your area.
If you look closely, you'll see that most
grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off
the leaves, you'll scalp the lawn. Let the
grass recover between mowings. Your
mower will work better, and your lawn will
look better.
If your grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height
setting, and then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don't take off more than
one third of total grass height in any one mowing, or brown patches
may develop.
Cutting height adjustment levers are explained in the CONTROLS
chapter (page 4).
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few
centimeters. If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a
narrower mowing swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the fast
throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum speed.
If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded
by the blades trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath,
move the mower slower, 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 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 carburetor 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.
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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. Position the Clip
Director knob in the MULCH position. 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.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the
LONG ENOUGH
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.
TOO SHORT
Mowing Patterns
Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following
mowing patterns as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment
design, and the direction in which the blades rotate, cause these
mowing patterns to give the best results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing
pattern when the Clip Director
knob is in the full MULCH
position. If the lawn has an
irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections
where you can use
counterclockwise mowing
patterns.
Bagging
Use a clockwise mowing pattern.
This will give the best Clip
Director and bagging
performance, leaving the least
amount of clippings on the lawn.
Rear Discharge Mowing
Remove the grass bag and close the discharge guard. Adjust the Clip
Director knob to the desired setting and begin mowing in a clockwise
mowing pattern. If the lawn has an irregular shape, or many
obstacles, divide it into sections.
ENGLISH
MULCHING PATTERN
BAGGING & REAR-DISCHARGE
PATTERN