Snapper 18HP Mowing Recommendations, Height of Grass, Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting

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MOWING

Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service section.

1.Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the motion control lever is 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.

5.Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations section for tips on mowing patterns and lawn care. See Trouble Shooting section for information on trouble shooting common cutting problems.

6.When finished, shut off the PTO.

7.Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE TRACTOR AND ENGINE).

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).

Operation

Figure 12. 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 13. Incremental Cutting

Operation

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Contents 19HP Zero-Turn Riders 18HP Zero-Turn Riders20HP Zero-Turn Riders Page Date Purchased Table of Contents Operating Safety Safety Rules & InformationSlope Operation Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water General Operation Safety Rules and Information Slope OperationService & Maintenance Safe Handling of GasolineIdentification Numbers North American Models Safety DecalsSafety Decals CE ModelsExport Models only Safety Interlock System Safety Interlock SystemNorth American Models only Safety Interlock System Operational Safety ChecksCE Safety Icons Safety IconsNorth American Safety Icons ServicingFeatures & Controls Control FunctionsHour Meter PTO SwitchSeat Adjustment Lever Transmission Oil FillOperation General Operating SafetyChecks Before Starting Stopping the Rider and Engine Starting the EnginePushing the Rider by Hand Forward Travel Practice Zero Turn Driving PracticeSmooth Travel Reverse Travel PracticeExecuting Turns Practice Turning Around a CornerExecuting an End-Of-Row Zero Turn TurningInstallation Mower Removal InstallationRemoval Height of Grass MowingMowing Recommendations Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingMowing Patterns When and How Often to MowMowing Methods Proper Broadcast MowingAttaching a Trailer Proper MulchingBefore Every Spring Each Hours 100 250 Fall Use Regular MaintenanceCheck Transmission Oil Change Transmission Oil Filter Oil LubricationGrease Lube Rear Suspension Pivot Under seatService Interval Every 10 Hours or As Required Servicing the Mower BladesChecking / Adding Fuel Engine MaintenanceCheck Tire Pressures Fuel FilterTransmission OIL Filter Change Check /FILL Transmission OILChange Interval Every 250 Hours Filter Part Number Cleaning the Battery and Cables Battery MaintenanceStorage Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Troubleshooting the RiderTroubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Troubleshooting the MowerTroubleshooting Common Cutting Problems StreakingGround Speed Control Lever Adjustment Seat AdjustmentSeat Position Adjustment Cutting Height Adjustment Speed Balancing AdjustmentNeutral Adjustment Parking Brake Adjustment Brake Spring Set Collar LocknutSuspension Adjustment Select Models PTO Clutch Adjustment Blade Brake CheckMower Deck Leveling Orient Blades Side-to-SideMower Belt Replacement Roller BAR Leveling Select ModelsHydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Battery ChargingSpecifications Technical ManualsPage Belts and Blades Tractor Product Quick Specs19 HP* Kawasaki
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