Install Guide


OTL Stripe Kit

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Off the Lawn (OTL) Stripe Kit.

This guide will walk you through the complete installation process step-by-step.

The OTL Stripe Kit is designed to fit a wide variety of mower styles and includes multiple adjustment points to help adapt the kit to your specific setup.

If you can safely use a drill and basic hand tools, you can install this kit.

For additional help, installation videos, and visual walkthroughs, check out our Youtube video on how to install or message us on Live chat! 

Before You Begin

Please read through the entire manual before starting.

  • Work on a flat, level surface
  • Remove the mower bag before installation
  • Ensure the mower is turned off and safe to work on
  • Lay out all hardware before starting

Recommended Cutting Height Setup

Self-Propelled Mowers

Raise your cutting height one level higher than your normal mowing height before installation.

Push Mowers

No cutting height adjustment is required.

Once installed, the stripe kit allows:

  • Up to 2 cutting height adjustments higher
  • Up to 2 cutting height adjustments lower

The spring system compensates for most height changes.

Parts Included in the Kit

  • Brush block
  • (2) L brackets
  • (2) 14-inch brackets
  • (2) Springs
  • (4) Robertson screws
  • (4) 1/4-inch bolts
  • (12) 1/4-inch washers
  • (4) 1/4-inch nylon nuts
  • (2) 5/16-inch bolts
  • (2) 5/16-inch nuts

Required Tools

  • Drill
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
  • 1/4-inch drill bit
  • #3 Robertson bit
  • 7/16-inch socket & wrench
  • 1/2-inch socket & wrench
  • Ratchet
  • Measuring tape
  • Marker
  • Tape

Step 1 — Remove the Mower Bag

Remove the grass bag from the rear of the mower before beginning installation.

This ensures:

  • Clear access to mounting points
  • Proper alignment
  • Easier installation process

Step 2 — Mount the L Brackets to the Brush Block

You Will Need

  • (2) L brackets
  • (4) Robertson screws
  • Tape
  • Marker
  • Measuring tape
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
  • #3 Robertson bit

Measure the Handle Width

Measure the outside width of your mower handles.

Formula:

(Brush block width − handle width) ÷ 2 = bracket offset

Example:

  • 24” brush block
  • 18” handle width
  • 24 − 18 = 6
  • 6 ÷ 2 = 3 inches

Your brackets should sit 3 inches in from each side.

Mark the Brush Block

  • Apply tape to the brush block
  • Mark bracket positions evenly
  • Measure and mark 3/4” from each edge
  • You should have four total reference marks

These marks help establish proper center alignment.

Drill Pilot Holes

  • Align brackets with your markings
  • Mark screw holes
  • Drill pilot holes using a 1/8-inch drill bit

*Make sure to drill pilot holes. Skipping this step greatly increases the risk of splitting the brush block, and any damage caused by not doing so is not covered under warranty.*


Install L Brackets

  • Remove tape
  • Align brackets with pilot holes
  • Ensure OTL logo reads left to right
  • Secure with Robertson screws

Step 3 — Position the Brush Assembly

Place the brush assembly behind the mower (do not mount yet).

This helps determine:

  • Spring positioning
  • Mounting height
  • Clearance with mower deck and bag
  • Best overall bracket angle

Step 4 — Important: Handle Mounting Options 

Before drilling any holes, inspect your mower handles carefully.

Many mowers include factory mounting features such as:

  • Easy Stow / quick-fold handle systems
  • Factory bolts or pivot points near the handle base
  • Pre-existing holes or mounting tabs

👉 If your mower has any of these, you can use them instead of drilling. If you aren't certain feel free to message our live chat! 


How to Use Existing Mounting Points

Option 1 — Reuse Factory Hardware

  • Remove the existing bolt or fastener
  • Install it through the OTL mounting point
  • Re-tighten into the original factory location

Option 2 — Replace With OTL Hardware (Recommended)

  • Remove factory bolt completely
  • Replace with included OTL hardware
  • Reinstall through the same factory mounting point

Best for:

  • Maximum strength
  • Best alignment
  • Long-term durability

Important Notes

  • Always use factory mounting points when available
  • Only drill if no suitable factory option exists
  • Ensure the brush sits flat before final tightening

Step 5 — Mount the Springs

If Your Mower Has Existing Holes

Use spring length to determine fitment.

  • Slight spring angle is normal
  • Springs do not need heavy tension at rest
  • Light contact or slack is acceptable

If Your Mower Has No Existing Holes

  • Hold spring in place
  • Mark spacing based on spring length
  • Confirm 14in bracket reaches L bracket
  • Drill mounting holes if needed

Step 6 — Install Spring Hardware

You Will Need

  • 1/4-inch bolt
  • (2) washers
  • 1/4-inch nylon nut

Installation

  • Place washer on bolt
  • Feed bolt through spring
  • Add second washer
  • Install through handle or mounting point
  • Secure with nylon nut

Tightening

Use:

  • 7/16-inch socket
  • 7/16-inch wrench
  • Ratchet

Tighten firmly.

Step 7 — Install 12-Inch Brackets

  • Hook spring into 14in bracket
  • Align with L bracket
  • Mark hole position
  • Drill if required
  • Install hardware
  • Tighten until snug (allow movement)

Important

  • Bracket must pivot freely
  • Do NOT overtighten
  • Choose hole based on mower height and setup

Step 8 — Drill Handle Mounting Holes

If required:

  • Drill pilot hole (1/8-inch)
  • Drill final hole (1/4-inch)
  • Remove tape

Step 9 — Install 12-Inch Bracket Hardware

You Will Need

  • 1/4-inch bolt
  • 1/4-inch nylon nut
  • Washers

Installation

  • Insert bolt through bracket
  • Add washers on both sides
  • Hook spring into selected hole
  • Install nylon nut
  • Tighten until snug

Important

  • Bracket must still pivot freely
  • Do NOT overtighten

Step 10 — Connect L Bracket to 12-Inch Bracket

You Will Need

  • 5/16-inch bolt
  • 5/16-inch nut
  • 1/2-inch socket & wrench

Installation

  • Align 14-inch bracket with L bracket
  • Insert bolt
  • Install nut
  • Tighten until snug

Before fully tightening:

  • Ensure brush sits flat
  • Ensure both sides are even

Step 11 — Repeat on Opposite Side

Repeat all steps on the second side.

Match:

  • Hole spacing
  • Spring position
  • Bracket angles

Final Inspection

Before use, confirm:

  • All hardware is tight
  • Brush sits flat on ground
  • Brackets move freely
  • No rubbing or interference
  • Mower bag installs properly
  • Both sides are aligned

First Test Run

  • Lower mower to cutting height
  • Mow a small test area
  • Inspect stripe quality
  • Recheck hardware after first use

Troubleshooting

Brush not sitting flat
→ Adjust bracket angle or mounting hole

Weak stripes
→ Increase brush contact slightly

Excess movement
→ Tighten lower bracket connection

Bag interference
→ Flip bolt direction or reposition hardware

Safety Information

  • Always turn mower OFF before adjustments
  • Wear safety glasses when drilling
  • Keep hands away from moving parts
  • Double-check all hardware before each use