Operation
Mowing
1. Engagethe parking brake. Make surethe PTOswitch is
disengaged,the ground speed control leversare locked
in the NEUTRALposition and the operator is on the seat.
2. Start the engine (see Starting The Engine).
3. Setthe mower cutting height (see Mowing Height
Adjustment).
4. Setthe 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. Stopthe engine (seeStopping TheRider and Engine).
Mowing Recommendations
Severalfactors canaffect how wenyour machine cuts grass,
Following proper mowing recommendations canimprove
the performance and life ofyour machine.
Heightof Grass
Often cutting height is a matter of personalpreference.
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 the type of grass,the amount of rainfall, the
prevailing temperature, and the lawn's overall condition.
Cutting the grass too short causes weak, 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 Ionger--especiaNy when it is hot
and dry--reduces heat build-up, preservesneededmoisture
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 good rule of thumb
is the1/3 rule: to cutno 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).
I
,li i.iILl4<,it,,/',
t! I
Figure 15. Proper Cutting Height
Tail GrassRequires Incremental Cutting
Forextremely tall grass, set the cutting height at 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 surface with a heavy layer of
clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.
Cut HereOn
First Pass Cut Here
On Second
Is ,/ Pass
II tlih,l ltlilt
Figure 16. Incremental Cutting
19
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