12
5. Repeat adjustment on other gage wheels.
m–3646
1
2
3
Figure 20
1.
Wheel
2.
Pin
3.
Hair pin Cotter
Tips for Mowing and Mulching
Grass
Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate
the engine at “FAST.” Air is required to thoroughly cut
grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut so low, as
to totally surround the mower by uncut grass. Always try
to have one side of the mower free from uncut grass,
which allows air to be drawn into the mower.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure the cutting
height of the mower does not scalp any uneven ground.
However, the cutting height used in the past is generally
the best one to use. When cutting grass longer than six
inches tall, you may want to cut the lawn twice to ensure
an acceptable quality-of-cut.
Cut 1/3 of the Grass Blade
It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade. Cutting
more than that is not recommended, unless grass is sparse
or it is late fall when grass grows more slowly.
Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing
straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances
decomposition and fertilization.
Mow at Correct Intervals
Normally, mow every 4 days. But remember, grass grows
at different rates at different times. So to maintain the
same cutting height, which is a good practice, mow more
often in early spring. As the grass growth rate slows in
mid summer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow for
an extended period, first mow at a high cutting height;
then mow again 2 days later at a lower height setting.
Ground Speed
To improve cut quality, use slower ground speed.
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the mower
you previously used, raise the cutting height to ensure
uneven turf is not cut too short.
Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than
normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise
the cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at
this setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower,
normal setting.
When Stopping
If the machine’s forward motion must be stopped while
mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your
lawn. To avoid this:
1. With the blade(s) “ENGAGED,” move onto a
previously cut area.
2. To disperse the clippings evenly, raise the mower one
or two height-of-cut settings while driving forward
with the blade(s) “ENGAGED.”
Keep the Underside of the Mower Clean
Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower
after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside the mower,
cutting quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.
Blade Maintenance
Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season
because a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or
shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns
grass brown at the edges, which slows growth and
increases the chance of disease. Every 30 days, check the
cutter blade(s) for sharpness and file down any nicks.
Note: