Makita DLM480 Manuel D'instructions page 19

Adjusting the traveling speed
For DLM481/DLM539
► Fig.30: 1. Speed lever
The traveling speed can be adjusted with the speed
lever. To decrease the speed, pull the lever toward you,
and to increase the speed, turn the lever forward.
Using mulching plug
The mulching plug allows you to return the cut grass to
the ground without gathering the cut grass in the grass
basket. When you operate the machine with the mulch-
ing plug, be sure to remove the grass basket.
NOTICE:
When using the machine with the
mulching plug, make sure that the total length of
grass after cutting is 30 mm or more, and the cut
length is 15 mm or less.
► Fig.31: (1) 30 mm or more (2) 15 mm or less
Using the rear discharge
Using the rear discharge allows you to discharge the cut
grass to the ground from the rear side of the machine
without gathering the cut grass in the grass basket.
When you operate the machine using the rear dis-
charge, be sure to remove the grass basket and mulch-
ing plug, and close the rear cover.
Electronic function
The machine is equipped with the electronic functions
for easy operation.
• Soft start at driving
The soft-start function minimizes start-up shock,
and makes the machine start smoothly.
• Electric brake
This machine is equipped with an electric brake.
If the machine consistently fails to quickly stop
the mower blades after releasing the switch lever,
have the machine serviced at Makita Authorized
Service Center.
OPERATION
Mowing
WARNING:
Before mowing, clear away sticks
and stones from mowing area. Furthermore, clear
away any weeds from mowing area in advance.
WARNING:
Always wear the safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields when operating
the mower.
CAUTION:
If the cut grass or foreign object
blocks up inside of the mower body, be sure to
remove the lock key and battery cartridge and
wear gloves before removing the grass or foreign
object.
NOTICE:
Use this machine for mowing lawn only.
Do not mow weeds with this machine.
► Fig.32
Firmly hold the handle with both hands when mowing.
The mowing speed guideline is approximately 7 to 14
meters per 10 seconds.
► Fig.33
NOTE: When cutting long lawn or dense lawn, if the
unevenness in the length of lawn or poor finish is
found after mowing, or decrease of the motor speed
is found during mowing, decrease the mowing speed
lower than recommended in this manual, or raise the
mowing height.
The center lines of the front wheels are guidelines to
mowing width. Using the center lines as guidelines,
mow in strips. Overlap by one half to one third the previ-
ous strip to mow the lawn evenly.
► Fig.34: 1. Mowing width 2. Overlapping area
3. Center line
Change the mowing direction each time to prevent the
grass grain pattern from forming in just one direction.
► Fig.35
Periodically check the grass basket for mowed grass.
Empty the grass before it becomes full. Before every
periodical check, be sure to stop the mower then
remove the lock key and the battery cartridge.
NOTICE:
Using the mower with the grass basket
full prevents smooth blade rotation and places
an extra load on the motor, which may cause
breakdown.
Mowing long lawn
Do not try to cut long lawn all at once. Instead, mow the
lawn in steps. Leave a day or two between mowings
until the lawn becomes evenly short.
► Fig.36
NOTE: Mowing long lawn to short length all at once
may cause the lawn to die. The cut lawn may also
block up inside of the mower body.
NOTE: If the unevenness in the length of lawn or poor
finish is found after mowing, or decrease of the motor
speed is found during mowing, decrease the mowing
speed, or raise the mowing height.
Emptying the grass basket
WARNING:
ularly check the grass basket for any damage or
weakened strength. Replace the grass basket if
necessary.
1. Release the switch lever and drive lever (for DLM481/
DLM539), or release the switch lever (for DLM480/DLM538).
2.
Remove the lock key.
3.
Open the rear cover and take out the grass basket
by holding the handle.
► Fig.37: 1. Rear cover 2. Handle 3. Grass basket
4. Empty the grass basket.
19 ENGLISH
To reduce a risk of accident, reg-