Mowing Recommendations

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).

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 Here On		Cut
	First Pass		Cut
	First Pass		Here On
			Here On
			Second
			Second
			Pass

Figure 10. Incremental Cutting

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MOWING