BlueBird S22S6DA_968999681 - Manual (Page 19)

19
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Clear the lawn of any debris.
Clearly mark rocks and other fi xed
objects.
Be especially sure to check for hidden
electrical cables or similar in the
surface of the lawn.
OPERATION
Before you start
• Mow the lawn ½" shorter than normal.
• Allow the lawn to dry. Wet conditions can cause
extensive damage to healthy grass.
Finishing
• Remove all extracted thatch from the grass and
compost/dispose of properly.
• Other methods for improving your lawn may
include aeration and fertilization.
DT06
Starting
• Set the transport lever in working position.
• To engage the clutch in heavy thatch, bear down
on the handle and raise the front wheels slightly.
Hold the clutch engaged against the handle and
carefully lower the machine into the turf.
• Do a small test area at a slow walking pace.
• If the engine speed drops excessively, the
depth setting is too deep. Turn the depth knob
clockwise.
• If the machine pulls forward and bucks roughly,
the depth setting is too deep. Check for stones
or fi xed objects in the lawn. Then turn the depth
knob clockwise.
FLAIL BLADES OR SPRING TINES:
• Flail Blades or Spring Tines: Set blade or
tine depth so that the blades or tines just touch
on a fl at surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Blades should never contact soil.
• Delta Blades: Set blades to penetrate the
soil to a depth of 1 / 8 " to ¼" with a maximum
penetration of ½".
• Lawns with deep thatch exceeding .78 inches (2
cm) may be best dethatched in two treatments
(spring and fall) to avoid major shock to an older
lawn.
DT03-1