Mulch 'N Catch

TM

Convertible Rotary Lawnmower

Mower Models - 35m, 75m

50m, 51m, 60m, 61m

80m

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.

TM

Rover Mowers Limited MULCH 'N CATCH TM

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.

CONTENTS

Preface

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Mulching

1.2 Benefits for your lawn

1.3 Benefits for you

2.

SETTING UP

2.1 Multipurpose

2.2 Installing the Mulch Plug for models 35m and 75m

2.3 Installing the Mulch Plug for models 50m, 51m,

60m, 61m & 80m

2.4 Removing the Mulch Plug for models 35m, and 75m

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

60m, 61m & 80m

2.6 Vari-Tilt Conbar System

2.7 Vari-Tilt Conbar

Adjustment - Mulching

2.8 Vari-Tilt Conbar

Adjustment - Catching

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CAUTION

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

CONTENTS

3.

MAINTENANCE

3.1 General Mower Maintenance

3.2 Mulching equipment

3.3 Cutting Assembly

3.4 Blade Change

USEFUL MULCHING HINTS

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ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1 - Installing the Mulch

Plug 35m, 75m

Figure 2 - Installing the Mulch

Plug 50m, 51m, 60m, 61m & 80m

Figure 3 - Conbar Adjustment

Figure 4 - Blade Change

Figure 5 - Blade & Fasteners

Figure 6 - Grass Height

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Rover Mowers Limited MULCH 'N CATCH TM

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SETTING UP

1.1 Mulching

2.1 Multipurpose

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.

• Reduce evaporation of moisture from the soil 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.

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 and the lower edge rests on the front top edge 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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Rover Mowers Limited MULCH 'N CATCH TM

2.3 Installing the Mulch Plug for

Models 50m, 51m, 60m, 61m & 80m

( Figure 2):

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 and seat down on the rear axle retainer.

6. Close the rear flap.

Figure 2 - Installing the Mulch Plug -

50m, 51m, 60m, 61m, & 80m

2.4 Removing the Mulch Plug for

Models 35m and 75m ( Figure 1):

1. Stop the engine.

2. Lift the rear flap.

3. Grasp the handle and, with a firm jolt, lift the mulch plug up and away from the mower.

4. Guide the mulch plug out by rotating the shorter left hand side to the right and then guiding the longer right hand section until clear of the mower.

2.5 Removing the Mulch Plug for

Models 50m, 51m, 60m, 61m & 80m

( Figure 2):

1. Stop the engine.

2. Lift the rear flap of the mower.

3. Grasp the handle and lift the mulch plug up and away from the mower.

4. Guide the mulch plug out by rotating the shorter left hand side to the right and then guiding the longer right hand section until clear of the mower.

2.6 Vari-Tilt Conbar System (

3):

The Rover Vari-Tilt System (Patent Pending) is fitted to provide improved performance.

Generally it is recommended that the Conbar is at it’s longest length for Mulch Mowing and it’s shortest for Catch Mowing. These recommendations may not suit your grass conditions in which case you should adjust to suit. The Conbar at it’s longest length also provides a greater maximum height of cut.

2.7 Vari-Tilt Conbar Adjustment -

Mulching ( Figure. 3):

1. Stop the engine.

2. Move the Cut Height Lever to the high cut position (1).

3. Loosen the Conbar Locking Knob (2).

4. Apply pressure to the top of the handle bars to tilt the mower back so that the gap in the

Conbar arms is at its widest.

5. Maintain pressure on the handle bars and tighten the Conbar Locking Knob.

2.8 Vari-Tilt Conbar Adjustment -

Catching ( Figure. 3):

1. Stop the engine.

2. Move the Cut Height Lever to the high cut position (1).

3. Loosen the Conbar Locking Knob (2).

4. Pull the handle bar towards the front of the mower to level the mower so that the gap in the Conbar is at its narrowest.

5. Maintain forward pressure on the handle bars and tighten the Conbar Locking Knob.

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Figure.

Figure 3 - Conbar Adjustment - 35m, 75m,

50m, 51m, 60m, 61m, & 80m

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Rover Mowers Limited MULCH 'N CATCH TM

3. MAINTENANCE

3.1 General Mower Maintenance

Refer to your Rotary Lawnmower Owner’s

Manual, Maintenance Section.

3.2 Mulching Equipment

6. Tighten the blade nuts to 16 Nm. Check that the blades are free to move when the nut is tensioned.

7. Remove the flap prop and replace the spark plug wire.

WARNING

Before working on the mower.

* Stop the engine

* Remove the spark plug wire

For optimum mulching performance:

• The mulching blades are to be kept sharp.

• Maintain the blade sharpening angle when sharpening.

• Keep the cutting edge feather free when sharpening.

• Keep the underside of the mower deck and the mulch plug free of buildup.

3.3 Cutting Assembly

WARNING

Figure 4 - Blade Change

Before working on the mower.

* Stop the engine

* Remove the spark plug wire

Figure 5- Blade and Fasteners

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.

2. Move the Cut Height Lever to the high cut position and fold the handle bars down.

3. Tilt the mower so that the spark plug is up.

4. Inspect the cutting assembly for damage and wear.

5. Check the disc retaining bolts. Tighten the centre bolt to 65-70 Nm and the three concentric bolts to 8-11 Nm. For Models

35m, 75m, 16-19 Nm. For Models 50m, 51m,

60m, 61m and 80m

3.4 Blade Change

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.

2. Set the mower to the high cut position.

3. Lift the rear flap and prop open to give access to the blades. (Figure 4).

4. Remove the blade retaining bolts, nuts and washers and discard.

5. Fit new blades, blade bolts, washers and nuts in sets to maintain balance (Figure 5).

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USEFUL MULCHING HINTS:

Mulch mowing is an acquired art form and to produce the best results consistently, follow these useful hints:

• Do not attempt to mulch if the grass is too wet.

Wet grass tends to clump together and does not evenly spread out. It also clogs up the underside of the base.

• Do not mulch on too low a cutting height.

Remember the maximum cut should be

25mm off the top of the grass, or 1/3 the grass blade height, whichever is the lesser amount. (Figure 6).

• Do not push the mulch mower too fast. To obtain the best finish it may be necessary to regulate the ground speed.

Rover Mowers Limited MULCH 'N CATCH TM

• Run the engine at full throttle. Running the engine at low speed does not allow the blades to mulch the grass efficiently.

• Keep the underside of the base and mulch plug clean.

Buildup of grass under the base blocks the air flow created by the mulch blade and reduces the mulching performance.

If a trail of grass is visible raise the cutting height of the mower.

If the conditions for Mulching are not ideal and some grass clipping trails are visible after cutting it may be necessary to:

1. Fit the grass catcher and catch mow.

2. Re-mow over visible clippings.

3. Raise the cut height.

4. Rake the clippings up after mowing.

Figure 6 - Grass Height

• Keep the mulch blades sharp. The mulch blades are designed to cut and re-cut the blades of grass. If the mulch blades are not kept sharp mulching performance will be reduced.

SAFETY SYMBOLS LOCATED ON THE MULCH PLUG

Read the Instructions Carefully

Rotary Cutting Blade

Keep Hands Clear

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Rover Mowers Limited NOTES

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Warranty Conditions

MTD Products Australia Pty Ltd warrant that this machine is free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is limited to making good or replacing any part which appears upon inspection by the manufacturer or his agent to be defective in material or workmanship.

The engine used to power this machine is warranted by the manufacturer whose warranty statement has been included with the machine. As the warranty for the engine may differ from the warranty for the other components, you are advised to read the engine manufacturer’s warranty carefully.

For other items this warranty shall apply for a period of 12 months from date of purchase except for products used commercially where the warranty is limited to 90 days.

This warranty does not obligate the manufacturer, his agents or dealers to bear the transport costs incurred in the repair or replacement of any defective part.

Online warranty registration: www.rovermowers.com.au

This warranty excludes fair wear and tear, or any damage caused by misuse or abuse. Parts such as blades, blade bolts, v-belts and spark plugs, which can be subjected to use beyond their normal intended working capacity are also excluded.

This warranty is void if parts other than genuine have been used or if repairs or alterations have been made without the manufacturer’s written authority.

The above warranty does not exclude any condition or warranty implied by the Trade Practices Act 1974 or any other relevant legislation which implies any condition which cannot be excluded.

REMEMBER:

PROOF OF PURCHASE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY

OF THE OWNER AND IS NECESSARY PRIOR

TO WARRANTY WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN.

REPAIRS MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY AN

AUTHORISED DEALER AND GENUINE SPARE

PARTS MUST BE USED OR YOUR WARRANTY

WILL BE VOID.

For Your Record:

Dealer's Name:..................................................................

Dealer's Address:...............................................................

Dealer's Phone No:............................................................

Product Model No:............................................................

Product Serial No:.............................................................

Date of Purchase:..............................................................

MTD Products Pty Ltd reserves the right to make changes and add improvements to its product at any time without notice or obligation. The Company also reserves the right to discontinue manufacture of any product at its discretion at any time

MTD Products Australia Pty Ltd

A.B.N. 96 004 873 572

PO Box 376, Dandenong, Victoria 3175 Australia

Recycled paper

This Rover Owners Manual has been printed on recycled paper as a sign of Rover Mowers commitment to Greening Australia and New Zealand.

04016305

Rev: F

PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA © Copyright

9 - 2010