BlueBird S22S6DA_968999681 - Manual (Page 18)

18
CONTROLS
Blade versatility
Flail blade
Thatch is the dense layer of clippings, roots and stems
that forms between the soil and the base of the grass.
As thatch builds up, it prevents water, air and fertilizer
from being absorbed into the soil. This causes shallow
root development leading to vulnerability to drought
and frost. Excessive thatch also creates an ideal
environment for insects and lawn diseases. Power-
raking with fl ail blades removes this thatch layer and
restores your lawn to good health. Flail blades offer the
most aggressive dethatching of all the blades offered.
Delta blade
Delta blades were created primarily for overseeding
existing lawn. They effectively incorporate grass
seed into the soil. This is an easy, reliable method
for rejuvenating poor lawns. The delta blade is also
useful as a vertical mower for cutting running stem
grasses and opening up the soil to oxygen, water,
nutrients and other chemicals. Delta blades are
also benefi cial on slopes, terraces and in high clay
content soils where water runoff is a problem. Blades
should penetrate the soil to a depth of
1 /
8
" to ¼" with a
maximum penetration of ½".
Spring tine
Ideal for the established lawn that is not in need of a
complete renovation but requires dethatching (dry-
spots, fungus, etc.). Spring tines are designed to
pluck dead grass and thatch out of the lawn without
tearing or damaging existing root structure. With the
fl exible tines, the lawn is combed only .19 inches
(0.5 cm) above the soil, so it cannot penetrate the
root structure. Spring tines provide less aggressive
dethatching than fl ail blades. Tines should not
penetrate the soil.
Setting blade height
The blades are raised and lowered using a depth lever
on the right side of the machine. Push in and move
lever to the correct height. Higher numbers increase
the blade depth.
DT03-1