Creating Stripes
1. As a mower runs over a lawn, provided it has a roller, it forces the grass in one direction and then in the opposite direction creating stripes. The heavier the mower, the more defined the stripe.

2. Cylinder mowers accentuate the striping because the grass is cut in one direction only.

3. Follow a pattern of cutting as illustrated opposite. Firstly cut around the perimeter of your lawn to provide a turning area then cut in straight lines either up and down your lawn or side to side with each cut slightly overlapping the previous one.

4. Other patterns can also look effective i.e. diagonal stripes or a chequer board effect cutting in one direction and then at right angles.

A Guide to Scarifying
1. Thatch is layers of dead grass and moss which have accumulated on the surface of the soil and must be removed to maintain a healthy lawn.

2. There are two approaches to scarifying:
i) Remove little and often from March through to October, except in drought conditions.

ii) A vigorous scarifying in the spring and autumn.

3. Scarifying by hand rake is hard work. The Balmoral and Windsor lawnmowers can be converted into a powered lawn raker by fitting the QX™ lawn scarifier cassette, making this task much easier.

4. It is a good idea to apply a moss killer to the lawn a week or two before scarifying so that the dead moss can be removed more effectively.

5. Throughout the autumn the QX™ lawn scarifier can be used to remove light debris from the lawn.

Quick Guide to Composting
1. Shred your garden refuse before putting it on the compost heap to encourage faster decomposition.

2. Your compost needs oxygen. Do not put material in a trench, as lack of ventilation causes rotting.

3. Makes sure it stays damp. Dryness stops the activity of micro-organisms. NB: Do not let it get too damp, otherwise rotting will occur.

4. Shredded branches are recommended for the bottom layer, followed by layers of coarse and fine materials. Grass cuttings should be in very thin layers, otherwise rotting will occur.


5. Start your compost heap in direct contact with the ground. This allows decomposing bacteria to act on green tissues.

6. Suitable compost materials: tree and hedge cuttings, leaves, organic kitchen waste. Cover the latter with earth to keep pests away.

7. The ideal site: partly shaded and protected from the wind.

8. Nitrogen fertiliser, ripe compost, earth or lime will speed up decomposition. Sprinkle it thinly between the individual layers. Do not compact the heap so that air cannot penetrate.

9. Cover the finished compost heap – this encourages development of heat and prevents loss of humidity.

10. Alternatively, shred and spread directly onto borders to provide a moisture retaining, weed suppressing layer.

Product Care and Maintenance
1. Clean product after use and lightly oil any accessible moving parts i.e. blade on a lawnmower. This will ensure the product is in good working order the next time it is used.

2. After the cutting season is over give the product a good clean:
– Remove dried grass from the blades and decks of mowers. Clean any debris from shredding mechanisms.

– Oil blades and shredding mechanisms. Check and replace damaged electrical cables on electric machines.

3. Winter storage: Drain petrol from lawnmower to prevent sludging. Periodically circulate oil through a petrol engine by a few pulls on the recoil start rope (with spark plug removed). Mower batteries should be fully charged and stored upright in a cool environment. Periodically give the battery a top up charge.

4. Prior to first cut of the season check for any visible problems i.e. leaking petrol tanks or damaged cables.
Winter is the ideal time to service your equipment. An Atco Authorised Service Agent will be able to conduct a full service and replace any worn parts.

Get your cutting blades sharpened. The QX™ cassette system makes this easy by just having to take the cutting cylinder to the Service Agent.

5. Refer to your instruction manual for full details of care and maintenance.