Not for
Reproduction
14
Cutting Height Adjustment
The cutting height of the mower is adjustable in eight (8)
different positions as identified by the cut height decal
(Figure 11) on the unit.
11
To adjust the height of cut:
1. While standing on the trim side of the unit, place one
hand on the foam grip (A, Figure 12) on the handle bar
and your other hand on the cut height adjustment pin (B).
12
2. Pull the cut height adjustment pin out and lift the handle
bar up or down to adjust the blades to the desired cutting
height. The cut height adjustment pin is spring loaded
and when it aligns with a cut height hole it will snap back
into place. Make sure that the pin has engaged a cutting
height hole before releasing the handle bar.
Mowing
Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in
Cutting
Height Adjustment
.
1. Make sure that the blade engagement lever is in the
disengaged position.
2. Start the engine (see
Starting the Engine
).
3. While standing in the operator's position (behind the
handle bars) release the blade engagement lever lockout
(A, Figure 4) by raising it up and then press the blade
engagement lever (B) down to engage the blades.
4. When finished mowing release the blade engagement
lever to stop the blades.
5. Move the throttle control and engine shut down lever to
the OFF position to stop the engine.
Mowing Recommendations
Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts grass,
Following proper mowing recommendations can improve the
performance and life of your machine.
Height of Grass
Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference.
Typically, you should mow the grass when it is between three
and five inches high. The proper cutting height range for
a specific lawn will depend upon several factors, including
the type of grass, the amount of rainfall, the prevailing
temperature, and the lawn’s overall condition.
Cutting the grass too short causes weak, thin grass plants,
which are easily damaged by dry periods and pests. Cutting
too short is often more damaging than allowing the grass to
be slightly higher.
Letting grass grow a bit longer—especially when it is hot and
dry—reduces heat build-up, preserves needed moisture and
protects the grass from heat damage and other problems.
However, allowing grass to grow too high can cause thin turf
and additional problems.
Cutting off too much at one time shocks the plant’s growth
system and weakens the grass plants.
A good rule of thumb
is the 1/3 rule: to cut no more than one third of the grass
height, and never more than 1 inch at a time.
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The amount of grass you are able to cut in one pass is also
effected by the type of mowing system you are using (for
example, broadcasting with side discharge decks can process
a much larger volume of grass than mulching does).
Tall grass requires incremental cutting.
For extremely tall
grass, set the cutting height at maximum for the first pass (A,
Figure 14), and then reset it to the desired height and mow a
second (B) or third time.
