Snapper SFH13320KW Mowing Methods, Proper Broadcast Mowing, Proper Mulching

Mulching Action

Lawn Care & Mowing Information

MOWING METHODS

Proper Broadcast Mowing

Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clip- pings evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use this method. Your mower has a deep dish deck to allow freer circulation of clippings so they are broadcast evenly over the lawn.

ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR BROADCASTING

Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing. If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too fast—using a slower ground speed will improve the cut- ting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting problems.

ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thick- ness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or slower for manual gear models). If you hear the engine

slowing down you are mowing too fast, use a slower ground speed.

HOW MUCH GRASS TO CUT OFF WHEN BROADCASTING

Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more that 1 inch of grass in a single pass.

Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clip- pings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny parti- cles decompose rapidly into by- products your lawn can use.

UNDER PROPER CONDI-

TIONS, 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 horse- power than broadcasting, using a slower ground speed is vitally important for proper mulching operation.

HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH

The best mulching action typical- ly results from cutting only the top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade. This provides short clip- pings 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 prefer- ences.

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