Operation

MOWING

Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service section.

1.Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the motion control lever is in the NEUTRAL position.

2.Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).

3.Set the throttle to FULL.

4.Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch (E, Figure 1).

5.Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations section for tips on mowing patterns and lawn care.

See Trouble Shooting section for information on

Figure 10. Proper Cutting Height

trouble shooting common cutting problems.

 

6. When finished, shut off the PTO.

Tall Grass Requires Incremental Cutting

7. Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE TRACTOR

For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at

AND ENGINE).

maximum for the first pass, and then reset it to the

 

MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS

desired height and mow a second or third time.

Don’t cover the grass surface with a heavy layer of

Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts

clippings. Consider usi g a grass collection system

grass, Following proper mowing recommendations

and starting a c mp st pile.

 

can improve the performance and life of your

 

 

 

 

machine.

 

 

 

 

Height of Grass

 

 

 

 

 

Cut Here On

 

 

Often cutting height is a matter of pers nal

 

 

Cut

 

First Pass

 

 

 

Here On

preference. Typically, you should mow the grass when

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second

 

 

 

it is is between three and five inches high. The proper

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass

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 w ak, thin grass

 

 

 

 

plants, which are easily damaged by dry riods and

 

 

 

 

pests. Cutting too short is often more damaging than

 

 

 

 

allowing the grass to be slightly higher.

Figure 11. Incremental Cutting

 

Letting grass grow a bit longer—especially when it is

 

 

 

 

hot and dry—reduces heat build-up,Reproductionpreserves 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).

Operation

21