Ariens 911 - Manual (Page 13)

Operation (Continued)
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CAUTION: If clog or obstruction prevents
grass flow, release Engine/Blade Control
and disconnect spark plug wire before
attempting to clear away any clogs.
CAUTION: On swivel wheel models when
mowing on slopes it is recommended that
the lynch pin be positioned thru the swivel
lock hole. If wheels are in the swivel
position and control handles are released
the mower may "free roll" downhill. Never
mow on steep slopes.
Restarting engine will be easier if mower is allowed to
completely discharge clippings before stopping engine.
On electric start model, if starter will not cycle because
of grass buildup under deck, rotate blade with rewind
starter to clear blockage.
Be sure your mower blade is sharp. A dull blade will tear
grass blades. This usually results in a white cast over a
freshly cut lawn. Later, tips of grass blades will turn
brown.
A new lawn has much softer blades of grass and has a
higher moisture content. It is important for this type of
lawn to be cut with sharp blades.
Cutting height will vary with different types of grass,
climate and individual preference. Generally, grass
should be cut about 1-1/2” long in spring, and not less
than 2” long in hot summer weather.
If grass is high, or if it contains a high degree of
moisture, cut it first with mower set high and then cut it
with mower set lower. This gives better distribution or
collection of clippings and provides a clean second cut.
Height of cut should not be set too low on thick, lush
lawns. Such grass, if cut too short, may die. This also
applies to springy, heavy growth lawns. If blade is set
too low, mower pan will drag on grass and restrict air
flow thus reducing discharge or collection of clippings.
Grass should be cut when it is dry; not when it is wet
from dew, rain or from watering. When wet, grass tends
to pack inside mower pan or chute and will not
discharge, mulch or bag properly, especially if height of
cut is set too low.
To insure most complete and even cut, overlap each
swath.
Following the same pattern each time you mow your
lawn can develop ridges at right angles to direction of
mowing. By changing direction of mowing (when
possible) you can prevent this.
When using side discharge, turn clockwise (right turn)
when beginning to mow large open areas. This
discharges clippings away from borderline objects
(sidewalks, driveways, fences, etc.). After making a
clockwise pass, mow in a counterclockwise (left turn)
direction. This discharges clippings evenly over cut
grass. Continuous clockwise mowing will cause a build
up of clippings, preventing a uniform cut. Also, plan
cutting so that you always trim with the ieft side of
mower when using side discharge.
A good fertilization program and frequent watering will
keep your lawn weed free and green all year long. Due
to variations in climate, soil and grass varieties, contact
your local garden supply dealer, park or golf course
superintendent, or county agent to obtain specific
information pertaining to your area.
NOTE: Be sure to empty grass bag and clean mower
pan after each use. A dirty unit may not bag and/or cut
grass properly.
Do not allow grass clumps or a coating of grass and
debris to collect inside of grass bag or mower pan.
Avoid operating over bare ground intermittent with grass
cuttings as this causes dirt and grass to collect and cake
under pan surface as well as in grass bag. To tip mower
for cleaning under side of pan refer to Lubrication and
Maintenance section of this manual.
Grass bag should be washed with hose and allowed to
dry. Washing grass bag prevents debris buildup, that
will clog mesh of bag, which will prevent proper air
circulation and bagging of grass.
Mulching Tips
For best performance, it is recommended that the height
of cut for your mower be set at, or as near as possible
to, 3 inches and that not more than 1 inch of grass is
removed per cutting. This can be controlled easier by
obsen/ing the “Mulching Zone Decal” (Part No. 077123).
The decal serves as a height gage for measuring the 1
inch maximum per cutting range.
Grass should be cut when it is dry, not when it is wet
from dew, rain, or from watering. When wet, the grass
will tend to ball and pack inside the mower pan and will
not disperse evenly. If the grass does not disperse
evenly, it is probably because too much grass is being
removed per cutting, the grass is too wet, or the travel
speed is too fast.
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