Not for
Reproduction
• Avoid mowing after rain or even heavy dew, and never
mulch when the grass is wet (moist grass does not mulch
well, and clumps beneath the mower deck).
Mowing Patterns
Always start mowing on a smooth, level area.
The size and type of area to be mowed will determine the best
mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as trees, fences and
buildings, and conditions such as slopes and grades must also
be considered.
• Cut long straight strips overlapping slightly.
• Where possible, change patterns occasionally to eliminate
matting, graining or a corrugated appearance.
• For a truly professional cut, mow across the lawn in one
direction, then re-cut the lawn by mowing perpendicular to
the previous cut.
Note: Always operate the engine at FULL THROTTLE when
mowing.
If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too
fast—using a slower ground speed will improve the cutting
efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting
problems. Use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness
and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or slower for
manual gear models). If you hear the engine slowing down you
are mowing too fast, use a slower ground speed.
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Where possible, make one or two passes around the outside
of the area discharging the grass INTO the lawn to keep the cut
grass off fences and walks.
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The remainder of the mowing should be done in the opposite
direction so that the clippings are dispersed OUT onto the area
of lawn previously cut.
Mowing Methods
Broadcast Mowing
Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clippings
evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use this method.
Your mower has a deep dish deck to allow freer circulation of
clippings so they are broadcast evenly over the lawn.
Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting:
Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing. If you
hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too fast—using
a slower ground speed will improve the cutting efficiency of the
blades and prevents many common cutting problems.
ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness
and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or slower for
manual gear models). If you hear the engine slowing down you
are mowing too fast, use a slower ground speed.
How Much Grass to Cut Off When Broadcasting:
Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the grass
shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more that 1 inch
of grass in a single pass.
Mulching
Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and re-cuts
clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down
INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into
by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER
CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate
noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.
Note: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a rumbling
sound may be present and is normal.
Mulching Requires EXCELLENT Mowing Conditions:
Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is wet,
or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more than normal
mowing, mulching requires that the grass be dry and the
appropriate amount is cut.
Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the first two
or three mowings in the spring. The long grass blades, quick
growth, and often wetter conditions are more suitable for
broadcasting (side-discharging) or grass bagging operation.
Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Mulching:
Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so
that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed while mulching
should be HALF of the speed that would be used when
broadcasting (side discharging) under similar conditions. Since
mulching requires more horsepower than broadcasting, using
a slower ground speed is vitally important for proper mulching
operation.
How Much Grass to Mulch:
The best mulching action typically results from cutting only the
top ½ inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides short
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