Operation
Mowing
1. Engagethe parking brake. Make sure the PTOswitch is
disengaged,the motion control levers are locked in the
NEUTRALposition andthe 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. Engagethe PTOby pulling up on the PTOswitch.
6. Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendationsfor tips
on mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting
information.
7. When finished, shut off the PTOby pushing the PTO
switch down completely..
8. Stop the engine (see Stopping The Riderand Engine).
Mowing Recommendations
Severalfactors canaffect how well your machine cuts grass,
Following proper mowing recommendations can improve
the performance and life of your machine.
Heightof 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 thetype of grass, the amount of rainfall, the
prevailing temperature, and the lawn's overall condition.
Cutting the grass too short causesweak, 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 neededmoisture
and protects the grass from heat damage and other
problems. However,allowing grass to grow too high can
causethin turf and additional problems.
Cutting off too much at one time shocks the plant's growth
system and weakens the grass plants. A goodruleof thumb
is the1/3 rule: to cut no more thanone third of the grass
height, and nevermore than1 inch at a time.
Theamount 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).
l
Figure 16. Proper Cutting Height
Tall GrassRequiresIncrementalCutting
Forextremely tall grass, set the cutting heightat 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 surfacewith a heavy layerof
clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.
Cut Here On
First Pass Cut Here
'k_ On Second
t s,// Pass
J!|l//t,MJtit|I,L!7"
Figure 17. Incremental Cutting
23
To Next Page
Loading...
