Simplicity Cobalt Series manual Attaching a Trailer, Proper Mulching, How Much Grass to Mulch

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Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.

NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a rumbling sound may be present and is normal.

Mulching Requires EXCELLENT Mowing Conditions

Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more than normal mowing, mulching requires that the grass be dry and the the appropriate amount is cut.

Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the first two or three mowings in the spring. The long grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter conditions are more suitable for broadcasting (side-discharging) or grass bagging operation.

Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting

Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed while mulching should be HALF of the speed that would be used when broadcasting (side discharging) under similar conditions. Since mulching requires more horsepower than broadcasting, using a slower ground speed is vitally important for proper mulching operation.

How Much Grass to Mulch

The best mulching action typically results from cutting only the top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides short clippings which decompose properly (much more quickly than longer clippings). The ideal cutting height will vary with climate, time of year, and quality of your lawn. We recommend that you experiment with both the cutting height and ground speed until you achieve the best cut. Start with a high cutting height and using progressively lower settings until you find a cutting height that is matched to your mowing conditions and preferences.

Figure 16. Mulching Action

Operation

Attaching a Trailer

The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with a appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 17) and clip (B).

Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes. The surface being driven on greatly impacts traction and stability. Wet or slippery surfaces can greatly reduce traction and the ability to stop or turn. Carefully evaluate the surface conditions before operating the unit and trailer, and never operate on slopes greater than 10°. See SLOPE OPERATION and TOWED EQUIPMENT in the safety section of this manual for additional safety information.

A

B

Figure 17. Trailer Weight Recommendations

A.Clevis Pin

B.Clip

Safety

Controls

Operation

Maintenance Troubleshooting Specifications

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Contents
5900763 30HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No DescriptionDate Purchased Table of Contents Children Operator SafetyOperating Safety Read the ManualSlope Operation Thrown ObjectsMoving Parts Roll Bar Use Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and WaterOverhead Obstacles Enclosed Areas Fuel and MaintenanceGeneral Operation SafetyControls Operation Troubleshooting Maintenance SpecificationsOperating on steep slopes can be dangerous Towed Equipment Ride-On UnitsEmissions Ignition SystemService and Maintenance Service & MaintenanceSafe Handling of Gasoline Roll Bar Instructions Operational WarningsInspection of the Roll Bar Protective Structure Inspection and Maintenance of the Roll Bar Seat Belt Safety Decals Safety Controls OperationNorth American Safety Icons Safety Interlock SystemOperational Safety Checks Safety IconsCE Identification Tag Markings Features and ControlsIdentification Numbers CE ModelsParking Brake Safety Controls Operation MaintenanceTroubleshooting PTO Power Take Off SwitchThrottle Control Ignition SwitchHour Meter / Maintenance Reminder Seat Adjustment LeverGeneral Operating Safety OperationChecks Before Starting Tire Pressure Seat AdjustmentCheck Tire Pressures Pushing the Rider by HandMowing Height Adjustment Foot Pedal AdjustmentTo Adjust Pedal Position Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to Starting the EngineStopping the Rider Reverse Travel Practice Zero-Turn Driving PracticeForward Travel Practice Smooth Travel Turning Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place Executing an End-Of-Row Zero TurnTo Raise the Roll Bar Specifications TroubleshootingRaise and Lower the Roll Bar To Lower the Roll BarTall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting MowingMowing Recommendations Height of GrassMowing Methods How Much Grass to Mulch Attaching a TrailerProper Mulching Mulching Requires Excellent Mowing ConditionsRegular Maintenance Maintenance ScheduleCheck Rider / Mower for loose hardware Remove the shop cloth and wipe up any spilled oil Checking / Adding FuelFuel Filter Change Oil & FilterChange Hydraulic Oil Filter Check Hydraulic Oil LevelChange Interval Every 250 Hours Filter Part Number Lubricating the Front Casters LubricationGrease OilNever weld or straighten bent mower blades Safety Controls Operation Troubleshooting MaintenanceServicing The Mower Blades Inspecting the Mower BladesSpecifications Reinstalling the Mower BladesKeep open flames and sparks away from the battery Battery ChargingBattery Maintenance Cleaning the Battery and CablesSpeed Balancing Adjustment Ground Speed Control Lever AdjustmentAdjustment Neutral AdjustmentReturn-to-Neutral Adjustment Checking the AdjustmentHydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Parking Brake AdjustmentTo adjust the upper mounting position Rear Shocks Suspension AdjustmentTo adjust the spring pre-load Spring loaded components can kick back causing injuryDeck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment Deck Lift Spring Regular MaintenanceTo avoid damaging belts, do not pry belts over pulleys Mower Belt ReplacementTroubleshooting the Rider TroubleshootingSafety Controls Operation Specifications Troubleshooting MaintenanceTroubleshooting the Mower Troubleshooting the RiderTroubleshooting Common Cutting Problems Operation MaintenanceHP Briggs & Stratton SpecificationsTechnical Manuals Controls OperationOperation Controls Safety This page Intentionally Blank Belts and Blades Product Quick Specs
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