7. MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS A cutting height of l-l /2 in (4.1 cm) or 2 in (5.3 cm) is appropriate for most
lawns during cool weather. A higher cut may be needed to protect the lawn
during hot summer months. Consult a local nursery or lawn & garden center
for advice about specific types of grasses and growing conditions in your area.
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown half an inch to an inch
above the recommended height. If allowed to grow too tall, and then cut back
to the stems, the grass may not recover well, and the lawn will have brown
patches.
As a general rule, do not cut off more than a third of the total height of the
grass in one mowing. If tall grass is reduced in height a little at a time, and
is allowed to recover between mowings, the grass will be healthier, and the
lawn mower will work better and will leave a better lawn finish.
For good mowing conditions, the grass should be relatively dry, but the ground
should not be so dry that the mower stirs up a lot of dust. Too much dust will
clog the carburetor air filter, reducing engine performance.
If dust is a problem, water your lawn the day before mowing, allowing the grass
to dry while the soil remains moist.
Always wait for wet grass to dry. Wet grass may clog the cutter deck, and it
does not bag well.
Grass clippings may be left on the lawn, or removed, whichever you prefer.
Clippings return nutrients to the soil, but they don’t look neat when left on the
lawn. Heavy clumps of clippings should always be removed; grass must remain
uncovered to grow properly.
If you wish to leave the grass clippings on the lawn, we recommend using the
optional, side-discharge chute (see page 17).
Mowing without the grass bag or other attachments will leave the grass clippings
on the lawn, but the closed discharge guard will trap more grass under the cutter
deck, and the cutter deck may clog when mowing grass that is thick or tall.
If clogging occurs, mow more frequently, cut a narrower swath, and/or use a
slower forward speed. You may also need to raise the mower’s cutting height.
If you must clean out a clogged cutter deck, turn the fuel valve OFF, and tilt
the mower so the carburetor side is up. Hard starting and fuel leakage may result
if the mower is tilted with the carburetor side down.
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