Briggs & Stratton 5901170, 5900625 Mowing Methods, When and How Often to Mow, Mowing Patterns

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When and How Often to Mow

The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines:

1.Mow when the grass is between three and five inches high.

2.Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings of grass one inch or shorter decompose more quickly than longer blades. Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and efficiently, preventing frayed edges which harm the grass.

3.Mow at time of day when the grass is cool and dry. Late afternoon or early evening often provide these ideal mowing conditions.

4.Avoid mowing after rain or even heavy dew, and never mulch when the grass is wet (moist grass does not mulch well, and clumps beneath the mower deck).

Mowing Patterns

Always start mowing on a smooth, level area.

The size and type of area to be mowed will determine the best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as trees, fences and buildings, and conditions such as slopes and grades must also be considered.

1.Cut long straight strips overlapping slightly.

2.Where possible, change patterns occasionally to eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appearance.

3.For a truly professional cut, mow across the lawn in one direction, then recut the lawn by mowing perpendicular to the previous cut.

Note: 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 cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting problems. Use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness 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.

Operation

Where possible, make one or two passes around the outside of the area discharging the grass INTO the lawn to keep the cut grass off fences and walks.

The remainder of the mowing should be done in the opposite direction so that the clippings are dispersed OUT onto the area of lawn previously cut.

MOWING METHODS

Proper Broadcast Mowing

Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clippings 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 cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting problems.

ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness 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

Operation

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Contents Description Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products GroupModel Number Date Purchased Table of Contents Operating Safety Slope Operation Roll Bar Use Fuel and Maintenance Training OperationPreparation Towed Equipment RIDE-ON Units Slope OperationChildren EmissionsMaintenance and Storage Service and MaintenanceSafe Handling of Gasoline Operational Warnings Roll BAR InstructionsInspection and Maintenance of the Roll BAR Seat Belt Identification Identification NumbersSafety Decals North American Safety Icons Safety Interlock SystemOperational Safety Checks Ignition Switch Seat Adjustment LeverAIR Cooled Models only Control FunctionsHour Meter / Maintenance Reminder PTO Power Take Off SwitchParking Brake Throttle ControlLiquid Cooled Models only Water Temperature Gauge Checks Before Starting General Operating SafetyNever allow passengers to ride on the unit Stopping the Rider Starting the EnginePushing the Rider by Hand Smooth Travel Zero Turn Driving PracticeForward Travel Practice Reverse Travel PracticeExecuting an End-Of-Row Zero Turn Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In PlaceExecuting Turns TurningMowing Recommendations MowingHeight of Grass Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingMowing Methods When and How Often to MowMowing Patterns Proper Broadcast MowingProper Mulching Attaching a TrailerTo lower the roll bar Raise & Lower the Roll BARTo raise the roll bar Keep roll bar in the raised position and use seat beltStarting After Long Term Storage StorageTemporary Storage 30 Days Or Less Long Term Storage Longer Than 30 DaysRider Maintenance Safety ItemsEngine Maintenance Before Every Spring Each 100 250 Fall Use HoursChecking / Adding Fuel Check Tire PressuresFuel Filter Change OIL & FilterChange Hydraulic OIL Filter Check Hydraulic OIL LevelAir Cooled Models Liquid Cooled ModelsCheck Engine Coolant Level Change Engine Coolant Clean Radiator & ScreenPressurized System Grease LubricationOil PivotsCleaning the Battery and Cables Air Cooled Models Battery MaintenanceCleaning the Battery and Cables Liquid Cooled Models Removing the Blade Servicing the Mower BladesTroubleshooting the Rider Troubleshooting WarningRider Troubleshooting Troubleshooting the MowerStreaking Troubleshooting Common Cutting ProblemsGround Speed Control Lever Adjustment Seat AdjustmentSpeed Balancing Adjustment RETURN-TO-NEUTRAL Adjustment Neutral AdjustmentAdjustment Linkage Rod RH side shownParking Brake Adjustment Brake Spring Adjustment Nut Parking Brake AdjustmentTo adjust the spring pre-load Suspension AdjustmentTo adjust the upper mounting position Foot Pedal Adjustment Mowing Height AdjustmentTo adjust pedal position Inner Rod Deck Lift ROD Timing AdjustmentOuter Rod Deck Lift Spring Deck Leveling Adjustment4 Locations Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement Deck Mower Belt ReplacementChecking Battery Voltage Battery ServiceCharging a Completely Discharged Battery Jump Starting With Auxiliary Booster BatteryMake Certain Vehicles do not Touch This HOOK-UP for Negative Ground VehiclesJump Starting Engine DimensionsChassis TransmissionsFerris Limited Warranty HP Briggs & Stratton Belts and BladesTractor Mower Deck
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