www.SnapperPro.com

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 (see Mowing Height Adjustment).

4.Set the throttle to FULL.

5.Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.

6.Begin mowing.

7.When finished, shut off the PTO by pushing the PTO switch down completely..

8.Stop the engine (see Stopping The Rider and Engine).

Mowing Recommendations

Figure 15. 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.

problems. However, allowing grass to grow too high can cause thin turf and additional problems.

Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts

 

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

grass, Following proper mowing recommendations can

 

 

clippings. Consider usi g a grass collection system and

improve the performance and life of your machine.

 

 

sta ting a comp st p le.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Height of Grass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for

 

 

 

 

 

Typically, you should mow the grass when it is is be ween

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut Here On

 

 

 

three and five inches high. The proper cutting height

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Pass

 

Cut Here

 

range for a specific lawn will depend upon several fact rs,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Second

 

including the type of grass, the amount of rainfall, the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass

 

prevailing temperature, and the lawn’s overall condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cutting the grass too short causes weak, thin grass plants,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

which are easily damaged by dry periods and pests. Cutting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

too short is often more damaging than allowing the g ass to

 

 

 

 

 

 

be slightly higher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letting grass grow a bit longer—especially wh n it is hot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and dry—reduces heat build-up, preserves n d d moisture

 

 

 

 

 

 

and protects the grass from heat damage and other

 

Figure 16.

Incremental Cutting

 

 

 

 

Reproduction

 

 

 

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).

22