Snapper 5900697 Attaching a Trailer, Proper Mulching, Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Mulching

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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 Mulching

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.

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 19) 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 19. Trailer Weight Recommendations

A.Clevis Pin

B.Clip

Operation

Figure 18. Mulching Action

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Contents Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group DescriptionModel Number Date Purchased Table of Contents Read the Manual Operator SafetySafety Rules and Information Operating SafetySlope Operation Thrown ObjectsMoving Parts Roll BAR USE Retaining WALLS, DROP-OFFS, and WaterOverhead Obstacles Enclosed Areas Fuel and MaintenanceTraining PreparationOperation Periods of exposure Towed Equipment RIDE-ON UnitsEmissions Ignition System Gasoline ModelsService and Maintenance Maintenance and StorageSafe Handling of Gasoline Operational Warnings Roll BAR InstructionsInspection and Maintenance of the Roll BAR Seat Belt This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide Safety DecalsNorth American Safety Icons Safety Interlock SystemOperational Safety Checks Safety IconsIdentification Numbers Features and ControlsControl Functions Features and ControlsSeat Adjustment Lever Ignition SwitchFeatures & Controls General Operating Safety OperationChecks Before Starting Check Tire Pressures Seat AdjustmentMowing Height Adjustment Foot Pedal AdjustmentTo adjust pedal position To Lower the Roll Bar Lower the roll bar only when necessary and Never remove itRaise and Lower the Roll Bar Keep roll bar in the raised position and use the seat beltStarting the Engine Stopping the RiderPushing the Rider By Hand Zero Turn Driving Practice Forward Travel PracticeForward Reverse Travel Executing Turns Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place Executing an End-Of-Row Zero TurnTall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting MowingMowing Recommendations Height of GrassMowing Methods Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Mulching Attaching a TrailerProper Mulching Mulching Requires Excellent Mowing ConditionsHours Fall Check Rider / Mower for loose hardware Regular MaintenanceMaintenance Schedule Safety Items Before Every SpringChange Oil & Filter Engine MaintenanceChecking / Adding Fuel Fuel FilterLubricating the Front Casters LubricationGrease OilCheck Hydraulic Oil Level Change Hydraulic Oil FilterChange Interval Every 250 Hours Filter Part Number Servicing The Mower Blades Inspecting the Mower BladesNever weld or straighten bent mower blades Balancing the Mower Blade Nail Reinstalling the Mower BladesSpeed Balancing Adjustment Ground Speed Control Lever AdjustmentParking Brake Adjustment Neutral AdjustmentReturn-to-Neutral Adjustment Deck Leveling Adjustment Deck Rod Timing AdjustmentTo avoid damaging belts, do not PRY Belts Over Pulleys Mower Belt ReplacementUse extreme caution when removing this spring Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt ReplacementBattery Maintenance Jump Starting With Auxiliary Booster Battery Battery ServiceChecking Battery Voltage Charging a Completely Discharged BatteryMake Certain Vehicles do not Touch Starter Switch Jumper Cable StartingVehicle Battery Jumper Cable To Ground Engine Block This HOOK-UP for Negative Ground VehiclesLong Term Storage Longer Than 30 Days StorageStarting After Long Term Storage Temporary Storage 30 Days Or LessTroubleshooting Chart Troubleshooting the RiderProblem Cause Remedy Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems TroubleshootingChassis SpecificationsDimensions EngineFerris Limited Warranty Mower Deck Tractor
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