Cutting the Green
1.
Approach the green with the functional-control
lever in the M
OW
position and the throttle at full
speed.
2.
Start on 1 edge of the green so that you can use
the ribbon procedure of cutting.
Note:
This holds compaction to a minimum and
leaves a neat, attractive pattern on the greens.
3.
Push forward the raise/lower mow lever as the
front edges of the grass baskets cross the outer
edge of the green.
Note:
This procedure drops the cutting units to
the turf and starts the reels.
Important:
There is a delay raising and
lowering the center cutting unit; therefore,
you should practice—gaining the required
timing necessary to minimize the cleanup
mowing operation.
Note:
The delay raising and lowering the
center cutting unit depends on hydraulic fluid
temperature. Cold hydraulic fluid results in a
longer delay. As the temperature increases the
delay time becomes shorter.
4.
Overlap a minimal amount with the previous cut
on return passes.
Note:
To assist in maintaining a straight line
across the green and keep the machine an
equal distance from the edge of the previous cut,
establish an imaginary sight line approximately
1.8 to 3 m (6 to 10 ft) ahead of the machine
to the edge of the uncut portion of the green
(
). Some find it useful to include the
outer edge of the steering wheel as part of the
sight line; i.e., keep the steering wheel edge
aligned with a point that is always kept the same
distance away from the front of the machine.
5.
As the front edges of the baskets cross the edge
of the green, pull back the raise/lower mow lever
rearward and hold it until all the cutting units
have risen. This stops the reels and lifts the
cutting units.
Note:
It is important to time this step correctly
so that you do not cut into the fringe area yet cut
as much of the green as possible to minimize
the amount of grass left to mow around the outer
periphery.
6.
To cut down on operating time and ease lineup
for the next pass, momentarily turn the machine
in the opposite direction, then turn it in the
direction of the uncut portion; a tear-shaped turn
(
) to quickly line up for your next pass.
g229671
Figure 23
Note:
Try to make as short of a turn as possible
except during warmer weather when a wider arc
minimizes the turf bruising.
g005116
Figure 24
1.
Alignment strip
3.
Cut grass on the left
2.
Approximately 12.7 cm (5
inches)
4.
Keep a focal spot 2 to 3
m (6 to 10 ft) ahead of the
machine.
Note:
The steering wheel does not return to its
original position after you complete a turn.
Important:
Never stop the machine on a
green with the cutting unit reels operating as
damage to the turf may result. Stopping the
machine on a wet green may leave marks or
indentations from the wheels.
24