Snapper 500Z Operater's Manual - Page 22
Mowing Methods
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Operation 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. 3. Mow at time of day when the grass is cool and dry. Late afternoon or early evening often provide these ideal mowing conditions. 4. Avoid mowing after rain or even heavy dew, and never mulch when the grass is wet (moist grass does not mulch well, and clumps beneath the mower deck). Where possible, make one or two passes around the outside of the area discharging the grass INTO the lawn to keep the cut grass off fences and walks. Mowing Patterns Always start mowing on a smooth, level area. The size and type of area to be mowed will determine the best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as trees, r n fences and buildings, and conditions such as slopes and fo tio grades must also be considered. 1. Cut long straight strips overlapping slightly. t 2. Where possible, change patterns occasionally to c eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appearance. o u 3. For a truly professional cut, mow across the lawn in one direction, then recut the lawn by mowing perpendicular N d to the previous cut. o Note: Always operate the engine at full throttle r when mowing. p If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too fast-using a slower ground speed will improve the e cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting problems. Use an appropriate ground speed for the R thickness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear The remainder of the mowing should be done in the opposite direction so that the clippings are dispersed OUT onto the area of lawn previously cut. Mowing Methods Proper Broadcast Mowing Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clippings evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use this method. Your mower has a deep dish deck to allow freer circulation of clippings so they are broadcast evenly over the lawn. Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing. If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too or slower for manual gear models). If you hear the engine fast-using a slower ground speed will improve the cutting slowing down you are mowing too fast, use a slower ground efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting speed. problems. ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or slower for manual gear models). If you hear the engine slowing down you are mowing too fast, use a slower ground speed. How Much Grass to Cut Off When Broadcasting Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more that 1 inch of grass in a single pass 20 www.Snapper.com