Operation - Makita DLM382 Instruction Manual

Switch action
WARNING:
Before installing the battery car-
tridge, always check to see that the switch lever
actuates properly and returns to the original
position when released. Operating a machine with a
switch that does not actuate properly can lead to loss
of control and serious personal injury.
NOTE: The mower does not start without pressing the
switch button even the switch lever is pulled.
NOTE: Mower may not start due to the overload
when you try to mow long or dense grass at a time.
Increase the mowing height in this case.
This mower is equipped with the interlock switch and han-
dle switch. If you notice anything unusual with either of
these switches, stop operation immediately and have them
checked by your nearest Makita Authorized Service Center.
1. Install the battery cartridges. Insert the lock key into
the interlock switch and then close the battery cover.
► Fig.18: 1. Battery cartridge 2. Lock key
2. Press the switch button and hold it.
3. Grab the upper handle and pull the switch lever.
► Fig.19: 1. Switch button 2. Switch lever
4. Release the switch button as soon as the motor
starts running. The mower will continue to run until you
release the switch lever.
5.
Release the switch lever to stop the motor.
Adjusting the mowing height
WARNING:
Never put your hand or leg under
the mower body when adjusting the mowing height.
WARNING:
Always make sure that the lever
fits in the groove properly before operation.
The mowing height can be adjusted in the range of
between 20 mm and 75 mm.
1. Remove the lock key.
2. Pull the mowing height adjusting lever to the outward of
the mower body and move it to your desired mowing height.
► Fig.20: 1. Mowing height adjusting lever
NOTE: The mowing height figures should be used
just as a guideline. Depending on the conditions of
the lawn or the ground, the actual lawn height may
become slightly different from the set height.
NOTE: Try a test mowing of grass in a less conspicu-
ous place to get your desired height.
Grass level indicator
► Fig.21: 1. Grass level indicator
Grass level indicator shows the volume of mowed grass.
• When the grass basket is not full, the indicator
floats during mowing.
• When the grass basket is full, the indicator does not
float during mowing. In this case, stop mowing imme-
diately and empty the basket. After emptying the
basket, clean it so that its meshwork vents the air.
NOTE: This indicator is a rough guide. Depending on
the conditions of inside of the basket, this indicator
may not work properly.
Using mulching plug
Optional accessory
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 is 30 mm or more, or the cut length is 15
mm or less.
► Fig.22: (1) 30 mm or more (2) 15 mm or less

OPERATION

Mowing
WARNING:
and stones from mowing area. Furthermore, clear
away any weeds from mowing area in advance.
WARNING:
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.23
Firmly hold the handle with both hands when mowing.
The mowing speed guideline is approximately 1 meter
per 4 seconds.
► Fig.24
The outside edges of the front wheels are guidelines
to mowing width. Using the outside edges of the front
wheels as guidelines, mow in strips. Overlap by one half
to one third the previous strip to mow the lawn evenly.
► Fig.25: 1. Mowing width 2. Overlapping area
3. Outside edge
Change the mowing direction each time to prevent the
grass grain pattern from forming in just one direction.
► Fig.26
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.
13 ENGLISH
Before mowing, clear away sticks
Always wear the safety goggles or safety