Jargon Buster
We have put together a little guide to help explain some of the features of our machines.
Cutting methods:
Cut & Collect:
When a machine is cutting and collecting the machine then uses a specially designed blade to cause air pressure which throws it into the grassbag. This is process does not leave grass clippings on the lawn.
Rear discharging:
Rear discharging is when the grass is cut and thrown out the rear of the machine and then deposits the cuttings on the lawn.
Side discharging:
Grass is thrown out the side of the cutting deck which deposits the cuttings on the lawn.
Mulching:
Mulching is where the mower cuts the grass, then the clippings get thrown up into the deck where they are repeatedly until the cuttings are so small they fall past the blade in inbetween the grass blades. This particular method of grass cutting gives the lawn a better finish because the finely cut particles decompose and produce a natural fertilizer. Mulching requires the lawn being cut on the machines highest setting the first time and then can be gradually cut down until you reach the desired length, this process requires cutting at least once a week for best results. This is also best for those cutting large areas because there is no visible cuttings left behind and no need to empty a grassbox.
Cylinder:
Uses a rotating cylinder shaped blade consisting of a number of fins, the more fins the finers the cut. Typically used by bowling clubs as the grass can be cut very short just a few millimeters long while also producing stripes on the lawn.
Roughcutters/Brushcutters/Flails:
Used to remove shrubs, long grass and overgrowth, works buy cutting it all into smaller pieces with blades or flails use little hammer type fixings on a rotating cylinder. The shredded remains of overgrowth are deposited on the ground.
Height adjustment:
Centralised:
A single point of adjusting the height of the entire machine evenly.
Double Levers:
2 points of adjusting the height of the machine, the front and rear can be adjusted separately.
Triple levers:
3 points of adjusting the height of the machine, typically one height adjustment lever for the rear axle (if rear wheels are propelled) and the 2 front wheels can be done independently.
Quad/4 Levers:
Every wheel has its own height adjustment lever.
Engines:
2 Stroke:
This engine runs off petrol that has to be mixed with a special engine oil at a ratio typically around 50:1 because the engine does not have it’s own sump for oil. The engines provide high amounts of power and can be used at any angle but produce more noise and have to be revved high.
Pre-mixed fuel can be purchased in-store from us see – Aspen Petrol 2T
For domestic users see our safety kit which includes everything you need – Oregon Safety Kit
4 Stroke:
This engine is like what is found in a car with it’s own oil sump meaning the fuel doesn’t need to pre-mixed, these engines are quieter compared to 2 stroke engines and use less fuel as well as being able to be used at lower revs but can’t be used at certain angles for too long as it can cause the engine to be starved of oil.
For better performance and longevity of your machine see our – Aspen Petrol 4T
For domestic users see our safety kit which includes everything you need – Oregon Safety Kit
Transmission:
Hydrostatic:
Hydrostatic is the most common transmission found on ride-on machines it gives the operator greater control of the machine. Typically using a foot pedal or lever you choose whether to go forward or reverse and the more the pedal is pressed or further the lever is pushed the faster the machine goes.
Manual:
With a clutch pedal the operator selects a speed setting with a lever and then slowly releases the clutch and the machine will move and that speed. To brake you depress the clutch pedal.