MTD 50M, 51M, 80M, 35M, 61M User Manual

Mulch 'N CatchTM

Convertible Rotary Lawnmower

Mower Models - 35m, 75m

50m, 51m, 60m, 61m

80m

TM

WARNING

Before changing any component or adjustments (where applicable):

• Release the operator presence control.

• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.

• Blades and moving parts must be stopped.

Rover Mowers Limited

MULCH 'N CATCHTM

Congratulations on your purchase of a Rover Mulch ‘N Catch mower with the exclusive Patent Pending Rover Vari-Tilt System. The Rover Mulch ‘N Catch is a convertible mower. This allows you to use the mower with the grass catcher fitted to the mower, (to pick up the grass cuttings) or remove the grass catcher and fit with the mulching plug to mulch the grass. The advantages of this design is that it allows you to gain the benefits of mulch mowing, but at times of rapid growth, or when the mulched grass clippings are tending to buildup, the grass catcher can be fitted and the grass clippings removed.

WARNING

The safety of the user and others involved. Personal injury may result should this information be disregarded.

CAUTION

Follow these instructions to avoid mower damage and possible loss of warranty.

CONTENTS		PAGE
Preface		i
1.	INTRODUCTION	1
1.1	Mulching	1
1.2	Benefits for your lawn	1
1.3	Benefits for you	1
2.	SETTING UP	1
2.1	Multipurpose	1
2.2	Installing the Mulch Plug
	for models 35m and 75m	1
2.3	Installing the Mulch Plug
	for models 50m, 51m,
	60m, 61m & 80m	2
2.4	Removing the Mulch Plug
	for models 35m, and 75m	2

2.5Removing the Mulch Plug for models 50m, 51m,

	60m, 61m & 80m	2
2.6	Vari-Tilt Conbar System	2
2.7	Vari-Tilt Conbar
	Adjustment - Mulching	2
2.8	Vari-Tilt Conbar
	Adjustment - Catching	2

CONTENTS			PAGE
3.	MAINTENANCE		3
3.1	General Mower Maintenance		3
3.2	Mulching equipment		3
3.3	Cutting Assembly		3
3.4	Blade Change		3
USEFUL MULCHING HINTS			3
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1 - Installing the Mulch
Plug 35m, 75m			1
Figure 2 - Installing the Mulch
Plug 50m, 51m, 60m, 61m & 80m			2
Figure 3		- Conbar Adjustment	2
Figure 4		- Blade Change	3
Figure 5		- Blade & Fasteners	3
Figure 6		- Grass Height	4

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Rover Mowers Limited

MULCH 'N CATCHTM

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Mulching

The Rover Mulch ‘N Catch mower setup as a mulching mower (grass catcher removed and mulch plug fitted) reduces the grass clippings into very fine particles. The design allows for the even distribution of the grass particles at the base of the lawn.

The mulched clippings can then:

•Break down quickly, releasing nutrients into the soil, saving on fertiliser costs.

•Reduceevaporationofmoisturefromthesoil which reduces watering costs and effort.

•Help to control temperature extremes protecting the roots of the grass.

•Assist in controlling soil erosion.

1.2 Benefits for your lawn

Research has shown that lawns are usually cut too short. Grass, like any other plant life, relies on photosynthesis to regenerate and survive.

Reduced leaf size (from cutting too low) can seriously affect a lawn by:

•Making it easy prey for disease.

•Encouraging weeds to take hold.

•Exposing the soil to:

–greater evaporation;

–temperature extremes; and

–erosion.

Raising the cut height and using mulch mowing follows the best practice for nurturing a healthier more attractive lawn with less water usage.

1.3 Benefits for you

Because you mulch as you mow the time and cost savings are also significant:

•Eliminates raking of leaves before mowing (the Mulch ‘N Catch mower picks up and converts fallen leaves into mulch).

•Eliminates raking of cut grass.

•Saves the time spent emptying the catcher.

•Automatically disposes of grass clippings.

•Eliminates the need to dispose of clippings at the refuse tip.

2. SETTING UP

2.1 Multipurpose

WARNING

Before removing or installing the mulch plug or grasscatcher. The engine must be stopped.

Your Mulch ‘N Catch mower is fitted with multipurpose cutting blades for both mulching and catching, as shipped from the factory. It is also supplied with a mulch plug for mulch mowing and a grass catcher for catch mowing. To convert to a mulching mower install the mulch plug (Refer 2.2 or 2.3) and adjust the conbar to suit (Refer 2.7).

To convert to a catching mower, install the grass catcher (Refer Owner’s Manual), and adjust the conbar to suit (Refer 2.8).

2.2 Installing the Mulch Plug for Models 35m and 75m (Figure 1):

1.Stop the engine.

2.Lift the rear flap of the mower.

3.Remove the grass catcher or deflector (if fitted).

4.Insert the long right hand side of the mulch plug first, into the rear of the mower.

5.Guide the mulch plug in until the spring tab rests against the top edge of the mower base andtheloweredgerestsonthefronttopedge of the axle retaining bracket.

6.Give the mulch plug a firm jolt forward and down into place.

Figure 1 - Installing the Mulch Plug - 35m, 75m

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