Snapper 355Z Series

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When and How Often to Mow
Thetime of dayand condition of the grass greatly affect the
results you'll get when mowing. Forthe best results, follow
theseguidelines:
1. Mow when the grass is betweenthree and five inches
high.
2. Mow with sharpblades. Short clippings of grass one
inch or shorter decompose more quicklythan longer
blades.Sharp mower bladescut grass cleanly and
efficiently, preventing frayed edgeswhich harm the
grass.
3. Mow at time of daywhen the grass is cool and dry. Late
afternoon or early eveningoften providethese ideal
mowing conditions.
4. Avoid mowing after rain or even heavydew,and never
mulch whenthe grass is wet (moist grass doesnot
mulch well, and clumps beneaththe mower deck).
MowingPatterns
Alwaysstart mowing on a smooth, level area.
Thesizeand type ofareato be mowed will determine the
best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as trees,
fencesand buildings, and conditions such asslopes and
gradesmust also be considered.
1. Cutlong straight strips overlapping slightly.
2. Where possible,changepatterns occasionallyto
eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appearance.
3. Foratruly professional cut, mow across the lawn in one
direction, then recut the lawn by mowing perpendicular
to the previous cut.
Note:Alwaysoperatetheengineat full throttlewhen
mowing.
If you hearthe engine slowing down, you are mowing too
fast--using a slower ground speed will improve the cutting
efficiency ofthe blades and prevents many common cutting
problems. Usean appropriateground speedfor the
thickness and height ofthe grass you arecutting (3rd gear
or slower for manualgear models). If you hear the engine
slowing down you are mowing too fast, usea slower ground
speed.
Wherepossible, make one or two passes around the outside
of theareadischarging the grass INTO the lawn to keep the
cut grass off fencesand walks,
Theremainder of the mowing should be done in the opposite
direction so that the clippings are dispersed OUTonto the
area of lawnpreviously cut.
Mowing Methods
ProperBroadcastMowing
Broadcasting, or side-discharging, dispersesfine clippings
evenly overthe entire lawn. Manygolf courses usethis
method. Your mower hasa deepdish deck to allow freer
circulation of clippings sothey are broadcastevenly overthe
lawn.
ENGINESPEED& GROUNDSPEEDFORBROADCASTING
Alwaysoperatethe engineat full throttle when mowing. If
you hearthe engine slowing down, you are mowing too
fast--using a slower ground speed will improve the cutting
efficiency of the bladesand preventsmany common cutting
problems.
ALWAYSusean appropriateground speed for the thickness
and height of the grassyou arecutting (3rd gear or slower
for manualgear models). If you hearthe engine slowing
down you are mowing too fast, usea slower ground speed.
HOWMUCHGRASSTOCUTOFFWHENBROADCASTING
Mow whenthe grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the
grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more
that 1 inch of grass in a single pass.
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