EMAK MISTRAL 72/12,5 K H Manuel D'utilisation Et D'entretien page 32

to the height required. To achieve good collection and even
cutting of the grass, choose a forward speed to suit the
quantity of grass to be cut (height and density) and the
lawn's humidity.
GB
The speed should always be reduced if you note a reduction in
engine speed, since a forward speed that is too high will not
cut the grass well.
Disengage the blade and put the cutting deck in the highest
position whenever you need to get past an obstacle.
Grass cutting in reverse drive
Blade engagement and reverse movement
To enable the machine to mow in reverse drive, the following
operations must be performed:
1. bring the machine to a standstill
2. disengage the blade drive (STOP pos.)
3. turn the ignition key from position 1 (on) to position R
(reverse mowing)
4. engage the blade drive (START pos.)
5. start mowing in reverse drive
Use the reverse mowing enable function only if strictly
necessary.
Follow the instructions in the above paragraph "Grass cutting
in forward drive".
Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height is adjusted by moving the lever (G, Fig.10)
with 7 height positions.
Adjusting the grass-catcher full sensor
The grass-catcher full sensor can be adjusted in two positions
using the screw (A, Fig.12):
1) The sensor is more sensitive with the rod fully exposed; this
position is recommended for mowing dry grass.
2) The sensor is less sensitive with the rod fully inserted; this
position is recommended for mowing wet grass.
Emptying the grass-catcher
This operation can only be performed with the blade
disengaged, otherwise the engine stops. When the grass-
catcher is full an audible warning is given. Stop forward
movement in order not to block the collector channel, and
disengage the blade which will stop the audible signal. Empty
the grass-catcher by lifting it using the handle. At times the
audible warning may be heard on engaging the blade, even
when the grass-catcher has been emptied. This is due to grass
cuttings left on the sensor of the micro-switch. To stop the
signal, either remove the remaining grass or disengage the
blade and then immediately engage it again.
Sloping ground
See paragraph Using the machine on sloping ground on
page 26.
Side discharge (Model 13 H only)
If you prefer the cuttings to be discharged onto the ground
rather than collected, the machine is supplied with a side
discharge kit.
The kit consists of two parts, one made of metal (A, Fig.14) and
the other made of plastic (B), which must be assembled
together using the 3 bolts (C) and corresponding nuts and
washers. Line up the square holes with the bolts, inserting the
bolts from inside.
The assembled kit must be inser ted in the relative
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compartment of the cutting deck, having removed the safety
cotter pin (D) with a tool (screwdriver, coin) and released the
catch (E) to open the hatch (F).
To fix the side discharge, insert the fin (G) along the edge of the
compartment, while the other fin (H) must be secured with the
catch (E). Close the catch, making certain that the safety pin has
engaged.
WARNING: incorrect assembly of the side discharge
deflector kit could result in serious injury to the
operator or to bystanders.
WARNING: when removing the side discharge
deflector, make certain that the flap is properly closed
with the catch securely engaged.
Mulching kit for model 13 H
If, in addition to discharging cuttings onto the ground, you
want them to be chopped up more finely, the machine is
supplied with a mulching kit.
The kit consists of a sheet (Fig.15A) with a fin (A) on one side
and a screw (B) on the other side, which will be used to fix the
kit with the knob (C).
The kit must be inserted in the appropriate compartment of the
cutting deck, after having removed the safety cotter pin (D) and
released the catch (E) to open the hatch (F).
To fit the mulching kit, insert the fin (A) along the lower edge
of the collector channel, while the screw (B) must be inserted
in the hole on the cutting deck (G) and secured with the knob
(C) and corresponding washer.
Close the hatch (F) with the catch (E) and reinsert the cotter pin
(D).
Mulching kit for model 12.5 K H
If the operator not only wants to discharge cuttings onto the
ground but also wants more finely chopped cuttings, a
mulching kit can be supplied separately as an accessory.
Fit the mulching kit by turning the plug forward (B, Fig.15B) and
then insert it into the collector channel.
To secure the mulching kit insert the pin (C, Fig.15B) into the
hole in collector channel (D) and secure it with cotter (E).
Lawn maintenance
1. To keep a lawn green, soft and attractive, it should be cut
regularly without damaging the grass. A lawn can be
composed of different types of grass. If the lawn is cut
frequently, grass and roots grow more vigorously, forming
a solid grassy bed. If the lawn is cut is less frequently,
higher grass and weeds start growing (plus daisies and
clovers, etc.).
2. It is always better to cut grass when it is dry.
3. The blades must be in good condition and well sharpened
so that the grass is cut straight without a ragged edge,
which 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. The grass 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 about
4-5 cm. With one cut, 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 24-hour period - the first time with
the blades at maximum height, possibly reducing the