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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.
4. Set the throttle to FULL.
5. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
6. Begin mowing. See Section LC for tips on
mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting
information.
7. When finished, shut off the PTO.
8. Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE TRACTOR
AND 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 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).
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 9. Proper Cutting Height
Figure 10. Incremental Cutting
Cut
Here On
Second
Pass
Cut Here On
First Pass
Operation
Operation
