a solid grassy bed. If the lawn is cut is
less frequently, higher grass and weeds
start growing (clover and daisies, etc.).
2. It is always better to cut the grass when dry.
3. The cutting means must be in good
condition and well sharpened so that
the grass is cut straight without a ragged
edge that leads to yellowing at the ends.
4. The engine must run at full speed, both
to ensure a sharp cut of the grass and
to get the necessary thrust to push the
cuttings through the collector channel.
5. The frequency of mowing should be in
relation to the rate of growth of the grass,
which should not be left to grow too
much between one cut and the next.
6. During hot and dry periods, the grass
should be cut a little higher to prevent
the ground from drying out.
7. The best height of the grass on a well-
kept lawn is approx. 4-5 cm. and with one
mowing, you do not need to remove more
than a third of the total height. If the grass is
very tall, it should be cut twice in a twenty-
four hour period. The first time with the
cutting means at maximum cutting height,
possibly reducing the cutting width and the
second cut at the height desired (fig. 20).
8. The appearance of the lawn will
improve if you alternate the cutting
in both directions (fig. 21).
9. If the discharge chute tends to get blocked
with grass, you should reduce the forward
speed as it may be too high for the condition
of the grass. If the problem persists, the
probable causes are either badly sharpened
cutting means or deformed fins.
10. Be very careful when mowing near
bushes or kerbs as these could distort
the horizontal position of the cutting-
means assembly and damage its
edge as well as the cutting means.
6.5.6 Emptying the grass catcher (for
rear collection models only)
NOTE The emptying of the grass catcher
can only be done with the cutting means
disengaged, otherwise the engine stops.
• Do not let the grass catcher become too full
as this may block the collection channel.
• When the grass catcher is full you
will hear a warning sound:
1. disengage the cutting means (par.
5.8) and the audible signal will stop;
2. shift the throttle control to minimum
"tortoise" speed position (par.
3. stop moving forward and switch
to neutral (par. 5.5; par. 5.7);
4. engage the parking brake;
5. stop the engine;
6. pull out the lever (fig. 22.A - if fitted) or
grasp the rear handle (fig. 22.A1) and
tip up the grass catcher to empty it;
7. close up the grass catcher so that it
hooks onto the pawl (fig. 22.B).
6.5.7 Cleaning the discharge chute (for
rear collection models only)
• Cutting very tall or wet grass, particularly
at excessively high speed, can clog up
the discharge chute. If it clogs, follow the
instructions provided in chap. 7.4.2.
6.5.8 Mowing completed
When mowing has been completed:
1. disengage the cutting means;
2. decrease the engine's r.p.m.
3. drive back with the cutting-means
assembly in its highest position:
6.6 STOP
To stop the machine:
1. shift the throttle lever to minimum
"tortoise" speed position
To avoid backfire, leave the throttle in
the minimum "tortoise" speed position for
20 seconds before switching off the engine.
2. switch off the engine by turning
the ignition key to Off;
3. with the engine turned off, close the
fuel tap (fig. 23.A) (if provided).
4. remove the key from the ignition
IMPORTANT To keep the battery
charged, do not leave the ignition key
in the «on» or «headlights on» position
when the engine is not running.
The engine may be very warm
immediately after it is shut off. Do not
touch the exhaust or adjacent parts.
This can cause burn injuries.
6.7 AFTER OPERATION
1. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in an enclosed space.
2. Clean (par. 7.4).
3. Lower the cutting-means assembly, shift
to neutral, engage the parking brake,
turn off the engine and remove the
EN - 14