Briggs & Stratton 5900670, 5901170, 5900625, 5900629 Mowing Recommendations, Height of Grass

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Operation

Operation

MOWING

1.Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged, the motion control levers are locked in the NEUTRAL position and the operator is on the seat.

2.Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).

3.Set the mower cutting height.

4.Set the throttle to FULL.

5.Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.

6.Begin mowing. See Section LC for tips on mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting information.

7.When finished, shut off the PTO.

8.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).

Figure 9. 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 10. Incremental Cutting

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Contents Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group DescriptionModel Number Date Purchased Table of Contents Operating Safety Slope Operation Roll Bar Use Fuel and Maintenance Operation TrainingPreparation Slope Operation Towed Equipment RIDE-ON UnitsChildren EmissionsService and Maintenance Maintenance and StorageSafe Handling of Gasoline Roll BAR Instructions Operational WarningsInspection and Maintenance of the Roll BAR Seat Belt Identification Numbers IdentificationSafety Decals Safety Interlock System North American Safety IconsOperational Safety Checks Seat Adjustment Lever Ignition SwitchAIR Cooled Models only Control FunctionsPTO Power Take Off Switch Hour Meter / Maintenance ReminderParking Brake Throttle ControlLiquid Cooled Models only Water Temperature Gauge General Operating Safety Checks Before StartingNever allow passengers to ride on the unit Starting the Engine Stopping the RiderPushing the Rider by Hand Zero Turn Driving Practice Smooth TravelForward Travel Practice Reverse Travel PracticePractice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place Executing an End-Of-Row Zero TurnExecuting Turns TurningMowing Mowing RecommendationsHeight of Grass Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingWhen and How Often to Mow Mowing MethodsMowing Patterns Proper Broadcast MowingAttaching a Trailer Proper MulchingRaise & Lower the Roll BAR To lower the roll barTo raise the roll bar Keep roll bar in the raised position and use seat beltStorage Starting After Long Term StorageTemporary Storage 30 Days Or Less Long Term Storage Longer Than 30 DaysSafety Items Rider MaintenanceEngine Maintenance Before Every Spring Each 100 250 Fall Use HoursCheck Tire Pressures Checking / Adding FuelFuel Filter Change OIL & FilterCheck Hydraulic OIL Level Change Hydraulic OIL FilterAir Cooled Models Liquid Cooled ModelsChange Engine Coolant Clean Radiator & Screen Check Engine Coolant LevelPressurized System Lubrication GreaseOil PivotsBattery Maintenance Cleaning the Battery and Cables Air Cooled ModelsCleaning the Battery and Cables Liquid Cooled Models Servicing the Mower Blades Removing the BladeTroubleshooting Warning Troubleshooting the RiderTroubleshooting the Mower Rider TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Common Cutting Problems StreakingSeat Adjustment Ground Speed Control Lever AdjustmentSpeed Balancing Adjustment Neutral Adjustment RETURN-TO-NEUTRAL AdjustmentAdjustment Linkage Rod RH side shownParking Brake Adjustment Parking Brake Adjustment Brake Spring Adjustment NutSuspension Adjustment To adjust the spring pre-loadTo adjust the upper mounting position Mowing Height Adjustment Foot Pedal AdjustmentTo adjust pedal position Deck Lift ROD Timing Adjustment Inner RodOuter Rod Deck Leveling Adjustment Deck Lift Spring4 Locations Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Mower Belt Replacement DeckBattery Service Checking Battery VoltageCharging a Completely Discharged Battery Jump Starting With Auxiliary Booster BatteryThis HOOK-UP for Negative Ground Vehicles Make Certain Vehicles do not TouchJump Starting Dimensions EngineChassis TransmissionsFerris Limited Warranty Belts and Blades HP Briggs & StrattonTractor Mower Deck
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