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• If mulching baffles are removed, the original deflector
must be in operating position for safe side-discharge
mowing.
How Much Grass To Cut Off
Removing too much grass height in one cutting may
result in an unsatisfactory cut: windrowing, clumping, or
uneven dispersal of clippings may result. It is best to
mow when the grass is between 3”- 5” tall, although this
will depend on your personal preference for lawn appear-
ance. A good rule to follow is to cut only the top one-
third of the grass blade at a time (maximum of 1-1/2”).
Cutting more off the grass blade, particularly in wet
spring conditions, can lead to thatch problems.
Engine Speed & Ground Speed
Use full engine throttle matched with a slower ground
speed so that clippings will be finely cut. A better cut
may result from cutting the same area in two passes,
each time cutting only 3/4” of grass blade. Short clip-
pings of 1” or less decompose more quickly than longer
blades.
NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a
rumbling sound may be present and is normal.
The Proper Equipment
Always keep the mower blades sharp and balanced.
Blades should be sharpened at the beginning of every
mowing season. If the tips of grass blades brown after
cutting, this may be a sign of dull blades tearing, rather
than cutting, the grass blades.
Keep the underside of the mower deck and baffles clean
so that clippings are properly circulated, chopped, and
discharged back into the lawn.
The Best Combination
We recommend that you experiment with the height of
cut position and rider ground speed that will give you the
best cut. Start with a higher cutting height and try
increasing lower settings until you find a cutting height
that is matched to your mowing conditions and prefer-
ences. Since mulching requires more horsepower than
side-discharging, using a slower ground speed is impor-
tant for proper mulching operation.
Clippings Are Beneficial
A common misconception about clippings is that they
automatically lead to thatch. However, clippings pro-
duced by mulching methods actually contribute to a
healthy lawn because they:
• Act as a safe, non-polluting and inexpensive fertilizer
that nourishes your lawn. Fresh cut blades are a rich
source of nitrogen which is essential to lush growth.
And one garbage bag of clippings contains about 1/4
lb. of usable organic nitrogen.
• Reduce the evaporation of water from your lawn.
• Provide a cushioning layer to reduce lawn wear.
• Moderate soil temperature.
• Save money normally spent on trash bags.
Leaf Shredding - 34” Mower Deck Only
(For use with Mulcher Kit Only)
Patented Shredder Blades virtually eliminate raking
leaves. Up to 512 cutting edges pulverize leaves into tiny
particles, which quickly and naturally decompose into
food for your lawn. Shredder Blades must be removed
when you choose to mulch grass clippings.
Mowing Patterns & Tips
Leaf Shredder Kit
Part No. 1686609
(Contains Qty. 8 shredders)
Optimal cutting point
This area can contribute
to thatch