Not for
Reproduction
19
Operation
Mowing
1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is
disengaged, the ground speed control levers are locked
in the NEUTRAL position and the operator is on the seat.
2. Start the engine (see
Starting The Engine
).
3. Set the mower cutting height (see
Mowing Height
Adjustment
).
4. Set the throttle to FULL.
5. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
6. Begin mowing. See
Mowing Recommendations
for tips on mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble
shooting information.
7. When finished, shut off the PTO by pushing the PTO
switch down completely..
8. Stop the engine (see
Stopping The Rider and
Engine
).
Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting
For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at maximum
for the first pass, and then reset it to the desired height and
mow a second or third time.
Don’t cover the grass surface with a heavy layer of
clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.
Figure 15. Proper Cutting Height
Figure 16. Incremental Cutting
Cut Here On
First Pass
Cut Here
On Second
Pass
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 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.
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).
