DavidBH said:
New User.
I just mowed for the first time with my new California Trimmer Reel Mower (Honda GX120 Engine). I have the following questions:
1) I stalled about 25 times (the engine stopped). Finally I moved the choke lever a bit while running and it seemed to improve things. Is this a common problem? Maybe it is just that I haven't run it very much yet.
2) How do I move the mower when the engine is off? It is very heavy and doesn't seem to roll very well. It "drags" rather than rolls.
3) Is there a way to have the mower move forward without the blade spinning? I have to go up over the drainage lip between the street and my yard. I am afraid to do that with the reel spinning. I don't want to hit the cement with the blade.
4)Since the mower doesn't move backwards, what is the technique to use when turning around? This seems quite difficult.
5)The mower doesn't seem to pickup lawn debris like a rotary lawn mower. Not many pine needles got swept into the catch-bin. In fact the catch-bin got very little of the grass trimmings either. Is that normal?
6) Have you found that using the mower is hard work? a) I have to lift up on the handles so the front doesn't come up and leave a bare spot. b) Keeping the throttle lever pressed in is a real test of grip.
7) I can't see where I mowed. I feel like I am mowing the same strip two and three times to be sure. How do you tell?
8) I've seen videos where the home owner mows the lawn twice: Once vertically and once at a 45% angle from the vertical. Is there a reason to do this?
1) Shouldn't stall. Clean the carb or replace it completely for $15.
2) Make sure you lift the rear drive roller when your trying to push it. The wheels are on a clutch and free sprin, so there shouldn't be any dragging.
3)There is not. You can raise up the front roller/wheels and tip the handle back.
4) I think #2 will help with this. Raise the roller drum. Tip the handle back and spin.
5 & 7) Seems like you're cutting higher than you want. Lowering the height of cut will help. A lot of people will swap the front wheels for a roller that helps stripe the lawn. This will help prevent scalping the lawn as you don't have a wheel falling into a divot/low spot in the lawn. Ie. Everything is smooth and you can tell which direction you mowed.
6) It definitely takes a month or so of mowing to get the hang of it. You shouldn't have to raise the handle up. Get a socket to tighten the nut on the throttle lever and it will stay put.
8) it looks pretty
