Simplicity 5101604 Mowing Recommendations, Operation, Height of Grass, Proper Cutting Height

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Mowing

Operation

Mowing

Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Operation section.

1.Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the ground speed control levers are in the NEUTRAL position.

2.Start the engine (see Starting the Engine).

3.Set the throttle to FULL.

4.Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch (E, Figure 1).

5.Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations section for tips on mowing patterns and lawn care. See Troubleshooting section for information on troubleshooting common cutting problems.

6.When finished, shut off the PTO.

7.Stop the engine (see Stopping the Rider).

Mowing Recommendations

Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts grass, Following proper mowing recommendations can improve the performance and life of your machine.

Height of 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 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 longer—especially when it is hot and dry—reduces heat build-up, preserves needed moisture and protects the grass from heat damage and other problems. However, allowing grass to grow too high can cause thin 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 the 1/3 rule: to cut no more than one third of the grass height, and never more than 1 inch at a time.

The amount 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).

Figure 14. Proper Cutting Height

Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting

For extremely 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 Here On

 

 

 

Cut

First Pass

 

Here On

 

 

Second

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

 

Figure 15. Incremental Cutting

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Contents Cobalt Series OPERATOR’S MANUAL30HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. NoDATE PURCHASED Operator Safety Table of ContentsFeatures & Controls Regular MaintenanceOperator Safety Operator SafetyOperating Safety Read the ManualThrown Objects Slope OperationMoving Parts Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water Roll Bar UseOverhead Obstacles Enclosed Areas Fuel and MaintenanceTransporting and Storage General OperationEmissions Towed Equipment Ride-On UnitsIgnition System Operating on steep slopes can be dangerousService & Maintenance Service and MaintenanceSafe Handling of Gasoline Operational Warnings Roll Bar InstructionsInspection of the Roll Bar Protective Structure INSPECT BUCKLE LATCH INSPECT WEBBING Inspection and Maintenance of the Roll Bar Seat Belt Safety DecalsOperational SAFETY Checks Safety Interlock SystemSafety Icons North American Safety IconsFeatures and Controls Features and ControlsIdentification Numbers CE ModelsPTO Power Take Off Switch Deck Lift Pedal, Cutting Height Adjustment Pin & Deck Lift Lock LeverControl Functions Parking BrakeHour Meter / Maintenance Reminder Ignition SwitchSeat Adjustment Lever Throttle ControlOperation General Operating SafetyOperation Checks Before StartingCheck Tire Pressures Seat AdjustmentPushing the Rider by Hand OperationFoot Pedal Adjustment Mowing Height AdjustmentTo Adjust Pedal Position Figure 5. Mowing Height Adjustment A. Cutting Height Adjustment PinStopping the Rider Starting the Engine2. NOTE A warm engine may not require choking Basic Driving Zero-Turn Driving PracticeSmooth Travel Figure 7. Move Control Levers GraduallyPractice Turning Around a Corner Advanced DrivingFigure 10. Turning Around a Corner Figure 11. Turning in PlaceTo Lower the Roll Bar Raise and Lower the Roll BarTo Raise the Roll Bar StorageMowing Recommendations MowingHeight of Grass Figure 14. Proper Cutting HeightWhen and How Often to Mow Mowing MethodsNote Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing How Much Grass to Cut Off When BroadcastingFigure 17. Trailer Weight Recommendations A. Clevis Pin B. Clip Attaching a TrailerProper Mulching Mulching Requires EXCELLENT Mowing ConditionsRegular Maintenance Regular MaintenanceMaintenance Schedule Safety ItemsFuel Filter Checking / Adding FuelChange Oil & Filter Inspect Muffler and Spark ArresterChange Hydraulic Oil Filter Check Hydraulic Oil LevelChange Interval Every 250 Hours Filter Part Number Figure 19. Checking Hydraulic Oil Level A. Hydraulic Oil ReservoirGrease LubricationLubricating the Front Casters Figure 21. Deck LubricationRemoving the Mower Blade Servicing The Mower BladesAvoid injury! Mower blades are sharp Inspecting the Mower BladesFigure 31. Tightening the Mower Blade for Installation Reinstalling the Mower BladesC. Mower Blade Air Lift Points Up For Installation Sharpening the Mower BladeBattery Maintenance Battery ChargingNOTE This unit is equipped with a maintenance-free BCIU1 battery Cleaning the Battery and CablesSpeed Balancing Adjustment Ground Speed Control Lever AdjustmentTo Adjust the Handle Alignment To Adjust the Handle PlacementReturn-to-Neutral Adjustment Neutral AdjustmentChecking the Adjustment Figure 35. Neutral Adjustment RH side shown A. Adjustment Linkage RodHydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Parking Brake AdjustmentFigure 37. Parking Brake Adjustment A. Brake Spring B. Adjustment Nut Figure 38. Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement A. Pump Drive BeltTo adjust the spring pre-load Suspension AdjustmentSpring loaded components can kick back causing injury To adjust the upper mounting position Rear ShocksChecking the Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment4. To adjust the inner lift rod Refer to Figure 9. To adjust the outer lift rod Refer to FigureDeck Lift Spring Deck Leveling AdjustmentRegular Maintenance NOTE Before adjusting the deck level, the deck lift rodFigure 46. Mower PTO Belt A. Idler Arm B. Stationary Idler Pulley Mower Belt ReplacementC. 1/2” Breaker Bar D. Spring Figure 47. Mower PTO Belt Routing A. Spindle Pulley B. PTO Drive BeltTroubleshooting TroubleshootingTroubleshooting the Rider PROBLEMTroubleshooting the Mower Troubleshooting the Rider continuedRider drive belt slips Brake will not holdStreaking Troubleshooting Common Cutting ProblemsScalping Stepped CuttingSpecifications SpecificationsDIMENSIONS Technical ManualsALONG APPROPRIATE DOTTED LINEANGLE OF THE SLOPE FOLDPage BELTS AND BLADES Product Quick Specs
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