To obtain the best quality of cut:
- Set the cutting height on the front wheels one notch lower than the rear wheels. (For example, set the front wheels at 2 inches and the rear wheels at 2 3/8 inches.)
- Make sure the blade is sharp (for best results, replace or sharpen yearly or when needed).
- Operate the machine at full throttle.
- Cut only 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
- Mow only dry grass or leaves.
If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try one or more of the following:
- Walk at slower pace while mowing.
- Raise the cutting height on your mower.
- Cut the grass more frequently
- Overlap the cutting strips instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.
- Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing straight – this helps disperse clippings, which enhances decomposition and fertilization.
- Clean the clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower after each use. (Grass build up inside the mower will affect cutting quality.)