12
Tips for Mowing 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.
