HONDA DT18 - Manual (Page 25)

English – 23
RUNNING
Before you start
• Mow the lawn to its normal length.
• Allow the lawn to dry. Wet conditions can cause
extensive damage to healthy grass.
• Set blade depth so that the blades just touch
on a flat surface such as a sidewalk or
driveway.
• Lawns with deep thatch exceeding 2 cm may
be best dethatched in two treatments (spring
and fall) to avoid major shock to an older lawn.
Starting
• Set the depth 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 fixed objects in the lawn. Then turn the
depth knob clockwise.
• Lock the depth knob with the depth lock after
adjusting settings.
Finishing
• Remove all extracted thatch from the grass
and compost/dispose of properly.
• Other methods for improving your lawn may
include aeration and fertilization.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Clear the lawn of any extraneous objects.
Clearly mark rocks and other fixed objects.
Be especially sure to check for hidden
electrical cables or similar in the surface of
the lawn.
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