Mowing Patterns & lips
•Change the mowing pattern each time.
•If mulching baffles are removed, the original deflector must be in operating position for safe
How Much Grass To Cut Off
Removing too much grass height in one cutting may result in an unsatisfactory cut: wind rowing, 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
Optimal cutting poi
This area can contribute to thatch
1
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 314” 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 tractor 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
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,
And one garbage bag of clippings contains about 114 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
(For use with Mulcher Kit Only)
Patented Shredder Blades virtually eliminate raking leaves. Up to 512 cutting edges pulverize leaves into tiny panicles, 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. 1666609 (Contains 8 shredders)
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