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..

Proper Cutting Height

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

 

 

The amount of grass you are able to cut in one pass

Mowing Recommendations

 

is also effected by the type of mowing system you are

Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts

using (for example, broadcasting with side discharge

decks can process a much larger volume of grass

grass, Following proper mowing recommendations

than mulching does).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reproduction

 

 

can improve the performance and life of your

 

 

 

 

 

machine.

 

Tall G ass Requires I cremental Cutting

 

 

Height of Grass

 

F ext emely tall grass, set the cutting height at

Often cutting height is a matter of personal

maximum for he f rst pass, and then reset it to the

 

Not

desired height and mow a second or third time.

 

 

 

 

On Second

preference. Typically, you should mow the grass when

 

 

 

 

 

it is between three and five inches high. The pr per forDon’t over the grass surface with a heavy layer of

cutting height range for a specific lawn will depend

clippings. Consider using a grass collection system

upon several factors, including the type f grass, the

and starting a compost pile.

 

 

amount of rainfall, the prevailing temperature, and the

 

 

 

 

 

lawn’s overall condition.

 

 

Cut Here On

 

 

 

Cutting the grass too short causes weak, thin g ass

 

First Pass

 

Cut Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

plants, which are easily damaged by dry periods and

 

 

 

Pass

 

pests. Cutting too short is often more damaging than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

allowing the grass to be slightly higher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letting grass grow a bit longer—especially wh n it

 

 

 

 

 

is hot and dry—reduces heat build-up, preserves

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Incremental Cutting

 

 

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.

When and How Often to Mow

The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines:

1.Mow when the grass is between three and five inches high.

2.Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings of grass one inch or shorter decompose more quickly than longer blades. Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and efficiently, preventing frayed edges which harm the grass.

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