Snapper 355Z Series

Proper Mulching
Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts
clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down
INTOthe lawn. Thesetiny particles decompose rapidlyinto
by-products your lawncan use. UNDERPROPER
CONDITIONS,your mulching mower will virtually eliminate
noticeableclippings on the lawn surface.
NOTE:When mulching under heavycutting conditions, a
rumbling sound may be present and is normal.
MULCHINGREQUIRESEXCELLENTMOWINGCONDITIONS
Mulching mowers cannot function properly if thegrass is
wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Evenmorethan
normal mowing, mulching requiresthat the grass be dry and
thethe appropriate amount iscut.
Do not usethe mower as a mulching mower during the first
two or three mowings in the spring. Thelong grass blades,
quick growth, and often wetterconditions are moresuitable
for broadcasting(side-discharging) or grass bagging
operation.
ENGINESPEED& GROUNDSPEEDFORBROADCASTING
Usefull enginethrottle matchedwith a slow ground speed
sothat clippings will be finely cut. Groundspeedwhile
mulching should be HALFof the speedthat would be used
when broadcasting (sidedischarging) under similar
conditions. Since mulching requiresmore horsepower than
broadcasting, usinga slower ground speed isvitally
important for proper mulching operation.
HOWMUCHGRASSTOMULCH
Thebest mulching action typically resultsfrom cutting only
thetop 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade.This provides
short clippings which decomposeproperly (much more
quickly than longer clippings). Theideal cutting height will
vary with climate, time of year,and quality of your lawn. We
recommendthat you experiment with both the cutting height
and ground speeduntil you achievethe best cut. Start with a
high cutting heightand using progressively lower settings
until you find a cutting heightthat is matchedto your
mowing conditions and preferences.
Attachinga Trailer
Themaximum weight of atowed trailer should be lessthan
200 Ibs (91kg). Securethe trailer with a appropriately sized
clevis pin (A, Figure23) and clip (B).
Excessivetowed loadscan causeloss of traction and loss of
control on slopes. Reducetowed weight when operating on
slopes. Thesurface being driven on greatly impacts traction
and stability. Wet or slippery surfaces can greatly reduce
traction and the ability to stop or turn. Carefully evaluatethe
surfaceconditions before operating the unit and trailer, and
neveroperateon slopes greaterthan 10°. SeeSLOPE
OPERATIONand TOWEDEQUIPMENTin the safetysection
of this manualfor additional safety information.
o/
®
3,4,,
(lm)
20' (6m) ?
Figure23. TrailerWeight Recommendations
A. ClevisPin
B. Clip
0
t_D
Figure22, Mulching Action
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