Stihl RM 3.1 RT Manuel D'utilisation page 42

Measuring the run-on time
Following engine start-up, the blade
rotates and a wind noise is audible. The
run-on time corresponds to the duration of
the wind noise after the engine stops. This
can be measured using a stopwatch.
10. Notes on working with
the machine
10.1 Applications
The lawn mower can be used as a
mulching mower or side discharge mower
as required.
Use as a mulching mower:
● Close the discharge flap completely.
( 8.7)
Use as a side discharge mower:
● Open the discharge flap completely.
( 8.7)
10.2 Information on mulching
During mulching, the cut grass is chopped
up several times through a special air flow
guidance system in the mower blade area
and then blown back into the turf. The
clippings remain on the lawn.
The decomposing clippings return organic
nutrients to the soil, serving as a natural
fertiliser and slowing down weed growth.
To ensure a perfect, thick lawn, mulch
regularly and keep the grass short.
Mulching should be done at least twice a
week in the main period of growth (spring)
and at least once a week in the summer
and autumn.
40
Mulching procedure:
STIHL recommends mulching only when
the lawn is dry and the grass is not too
high.
Requirements for good mulching results:
– Set the optimal cutting height: a third of
the grass height should be cut.
– Use well sharpened blades.
– Vary the mowing direction and ensure
that the mowing strips overlap.
In high grass, the lawn must be mowed in
two stages:
First stage – the lawn is mowed at the
maximum cutting height.
Second stage – 12 to 24 hours after the
first stage, mulch the lawn to the desired
grass height at right angles to the first
mowing direction.
10.3 Working area for operator
● For safety reasons, the operator
must stay within the working area
behind the handlebar when starting the
engine and when the engine is running.
Always observe the safety distance
provided by the handlebar.
● The lawn mower must only be operated
by one person. Other persons must
keep out of the danger area. (
11. Operating the machine
11.1 Starting the engine
Avoid damage to the machine!
Do not start the engine in tall grass.
Select a higher cutting height
setting if the engine is difficult to
start.
Thanks to the fixed throttle setting,
the engine always operates at the
optimum working speed after
starting.
● 1 Press motorstop lever (1) to the
handlebar and hold.
● 2 Slowly pull out recoil starter rope (2)
to the point of compression resistance.
Then pull vigorously and quickly to
arm's length. Slowly return recoil starter
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rope (2) so that it is rolled up again.
Repeat the procedure until the engine
starts.
11.2 Stopping the engine
● Release the motorstop lever (1).
The engine and blade come to a
4.)
standstill within 3 seconds.
11.3 Switching self-propulsion
on and off
Switching on self-propulsion
● Start the engine. (
● Pull self-propulsion lever (1) to the
handlebar and hold.
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11.1)
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