ST EL 340 Manuel D'utilisation page 68

the two lower parts (11) and (12) using the upper knobs (15)
(previously removed from their respective holes), inserted
in one of the two holes (3) or (4) according to the desired
final height.
Fasten the cable (16) to the cable fasteners (17) and (18)
as shown.
The correct position of the cable fitting (19) is as shown.
1.2 Assembling the grass catcher
(Type"I") Join the two side components (1) and (2) of the
grass catcher, then fit the top part (3), inserting all the outer
fittings correctly.
Assemble the handle (4) on the top part of the grass catch-
er, snapping it into the appropriate seats.
(Type"II") The grass-catcher is supplied fully assembled.
2. CONTROLS DESCRIPTION
NOTE The meanings of the symbols on controls are
explained in the previous pages.
2.1 Dual-action switch
The motor is controlled by a dual-action switch to prevent
accidental start ups.
Press the button (2) and pull the lever (1), or one of the two
levers (1a) for start up.
WARNING! Ignition of the motor simultaneously
engages the cutting means.
The motor will automatically stop when the lever (1) or both
levers (1a) are released.
2.2 Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height is adjusted by the specific lever (1).
DO THIS WHEN THE CUTTING MEANS IS STATIONARY.
3. GRASS CUTTING
NOTE This machine can be used to mow lawns in a num-
ber of different ways; before starting work, prepare the ma-
chine based on how the lawn is to be mowed. DO THIS
WHEN THE MOTOR IS SWITCHED OFF.
3.1a Preparation for grass cutting
and collection in the grass catcher (Type"I"-
"II"):
– Lift the rear discharge guard (1) and fasten the grass
catcher (2) correctly as shown in the illustration.
3.1b Preparation for grass cutting
and rear discharge:
– Remove the grass catcher and check that the rear dis-
charge guard (1) maintains its lowered position.
3.1c Preparation for mowing
and mulching (where applicable)
– Lift the rear discharge guard (1), position the chute cap
(5) inside the discharge opening and push it as far as
possible until the lower contour fastens to the edge of the
discharge opening.
To remove the chute cap (5), lift the rear discharge guard (1)
and pull it, keeping it lifted so as to unfasten the lower con-
tour from the edge of the discharge opening.
3.2 Ignition
Fasten the extension lead correctly as shown.
To start the motor, push the safety button (2) and pull the
switch lever (1) or one of the two levers (1a).
IMPORTANT When starting up the machine, there can be
momentary drops in voltage.
Make sure that its impedance is lower than 0.42 ohm to pre-
vent disturbances to other equipment connected to the pow-
er supply.
3.3 Grass cutting
While mowing, make sure the electric cable is always be-
hind you and on the side of the lawn that has already been
cut.
The appearance of the lawn will improve if you alternate
cutting in both directions at the same height.
When the grass catcher is too full, grass collection is no
longer efficient and the sound of the lawnmower changes.
To remove and empty the grass catcher,
– release the switch lever and wait for the cutting means
to stop;
– lift the rear discharge guard, grasp the handle and re-
move the grass catcher keeping it in an erect position.
• When mulching: always avoid cutting a large quantity
of grass. Never cut more than one third of the total grass
height per single pass! Regulate the forward speed ac-
cording to the lawn conditions and the amount of grass
being cut.
Lawn care recommendations
Each type of grass has different characteristics and may
thus require different ways of caring for the lawn; always
read the instructions on seed boxes for mowing height for
the growing conditions in the work area.
Keep in mind that most grass is made up of a stem and one
or more leaves. If leaves are fully cut, the lawn is damaged
and growth is more difficult.
The following indications generally apply:
– cutting too low tears and uproots the grass, giving it a
"spotted" appearance;
– in the summer, cutting must be higher to prevent the
ground from drying;
– do not cut wet grass; this could reduce cutting means ef-
ficiency due to sticky grass and tear the lawn.
– for particularly high grass, initially mow at the maximum
height allowed by the machine then mow again after two
or three days.
3.4 End of operations
On completing the work, release the lever (1) or both le-
vers (1a).
Disconnect the extension lead FIRST from the general
socket (2) THEN from the side of the lawnmower switch (3).
WAIT UNTIL THE CUTTING MEANS STOPS before mak-
ing any adjustments to the lawnmower.
IMPORTANT If the motor stops while mowing due to over-
heating, you must wait about 5 minutes before restarting it.
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