Simplicity 14HP How Much Grass To Cut Off, Engine Speed & Ground Speed, The Proper Equipment

Mowing Patterns & Tips

•If mulching baffles are removed, the original deflector must be in operating position for safe side-discharge mowing.

How Much Grass To Cut Off

Removing too much grass height in one cutting may result in an unsatisfactory cut: windrowing, clumping, or uneven dispersal of clippings may result. It is best to mow when the grass is between 3”- 5” tall, although this will depend on your personal preference for lawn appear- ance. A good rule to follow is to cut only the top one- third of the grass blade at a time (maximum of 1-1/2”). Cutting more off the grass blade, particularly in wet spring conditions, can lead to thatch problems.

Optimal cutting point

This area can contribute to thatch

Engine Speed & Ground Speed

Use full engine throttle matched with a slower ground speed so that clippings will be finely cut. A better cut may result from cutting the same area in two passes, each time cutting only 3/4” of grass blade. Short clip- pings of 1” or less decompose more quickly than longer blades.

NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a rumbling sound may be present and is normal.

The Proper Equipment

Always keep the mower blades sharp and balanced. Blades should be sharpened at the beginning of every mowing season. If the tips of grass blades brown after cutting, this may be a sign of dull blades tearing, rather than cutting, the grass blades.

Keep the underside of the mower deck and baffles clean so that clippings are properly circulated, chopped, and discharged back into the lawn.

The Best Combination

We recommend that you experiment with the height of cut position and rider ground speed that will give you the best cut. Start with a higher cutting height and try increasing lower settings until you find a cutting height that is matched to your mowing conditions and prefer- ences. Since mulching requires more horsepower than side-discharging, using a slower ground speed is impor- tant for proper mulching operation.

Clippings Are Beneficial

A common misconception about clippings is that they automatically lead to thatch. However, clippings pro- duced by mulching methods actually contribute to a healthy lawn because they:

•Act as a safe, non-polluting and inexpensive fertilizer that nourishes your lawn. Fresh cut blades are a rich source of nitrogen which is essential to lush growth.

And one garbage bag of clippings contains about 1/4 lb. of usable organic nitrogen.

•Reduce the evaporation of water from your lawn.

•Provide a cushioning layer to reduce lawn wear.

•Moderate soil temperature.

•Save money normally spent on trash bags.

Leaf Shredding - 34” Mower Deck Only (For use with Mulcher Kit Only)

Patented Shredder Blades virtually eliminate raking leaves. Up to 512 cutting edges pulverize leaves into tiny particles, which quickly and naturally decompose into food for your lawn. Shredder Blades must be removed when you choose to mulch grass clippings.

Leaf Shredder Kit

Part No. 1686609

(Contains Qty. 8 shredders)

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