Gravel and Loose Objects
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by
the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious
personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent
potential injury from thrown objects is to release the flywheel brake
lever to stop the cutting means before reaching areas with gravel,
loose stones, or landscaping material.
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. 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.
Cutting Means Speed
The cutting means must spin very fast to cut properly. Always use the
fast throttle setting, and keep the engine running at maximum rpm.
If engine speed drops, it could mean the engine is being overloaded
by the cutting means trying to cut too much grass. Mow a narrower
swath, move the mower slower, or raise the cutting height.
Cutting Means Sharpness
A sharp cutting means cuts cleanly. A dull cutting means tears the
grass, leaving shredded ends that turn brown. When your cutting
means 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
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.
Clogged Cutting-means Enclosure
Before clearing a clogged cutting-means enclosure, 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 cutting-means enclosure with a stick, not your hands.
Mowing Patterns
Your Honda mower will work most efficiently if you use the following
mowing pattern as much as possible. Mower deck and equipment
design and the direction in which the cutting means rotates causes
this mowing pattern to give the best results.
Mulching
Use a counterclockwise mowing
pattern. If the lawn has an irregular
shape, or many obstacles, divide it
LONG ENOUGH
into sections where you can use
counterclockwise mowing patterns.
Side Discharge Mowing
Where possible, use the same
mowing pattern recommended for
TOO SHORT
mulching. If the lawn has an irregular
shape or many obstacles, divide it
into sections where clippings will be
discharged away from uncut areas.
This will prevent clippings from piling
up in the path of the mower.
ENGLISH
MULCHING AND SIDE
DISCHARGE PATTERN
9