Tips For Mowing Grass - Toro 74246 Operator's Manual

3. Raise the latch. Swing the stand foot out front and
slide stand toward machine, into the bottom of slot
(Fig. 29 and 30).
4. Set the foot of stand on the ground and rest the latch
on the pivot tab (Fig. 30).
5. Start the engine and put it at half throttle.
Note: For best results, place the foot of stand into seams
in sidewalks or into the turf (Fig. 30).
6. Drive onto the stand. Stop when the latch drops over
the tab into the locked position (Fig. 30). Once onto
the stand, engage the parking brake and tun off the
engine.
7. Chock or block the drive wheels.
Warning
Parking brake may not hold machine parked on
Z Stand and could cause personal injury or
property damage.
Do not park on Z Stand unless wheels are chocked
or blocked.
8. Perform the maintenance.
Driving off the Z Stand
1. Remove the chocks or blocks.
2. Raise the latch to the unlocked position (Fig. 31).
3. Start the engine and place it at half throttle. Disengage
the parking brake.
4. Slowly drive backwards off of the stand.
5. Return the stand to its rest position (Fig. 29).
4
2
1
Figure 31
1. Z Stand
2. Latch
3
m–5601
3. Locked position
4. Unlocked position
27

Tips for Mowing Grass

Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate
the engine at the fast throttle position. Air is required to
thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the
height-of-cut so low as to totally surround the mower by
uncut grass. Always try to have one side of the mower
free from uncut grass, which allows air to be drawn into
the mower.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure the cutting
height of the mower does not scalp any uneven ground.
However, the cutting height used in the past is generally
the best one to use. When cutting grass longer than six
inches tall, you may want to cut the lawn twice to ensure
an acceptable quality of cut.
Cut 1/3 of the Grass Blade
It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade. Cutting
more than that is not recommended unless grass is sparse,
or it is late fall when grass grows more slowly.
Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing
straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances
decomposition and fertilization.
Mow at Correct Intervals
Normally, mow every four days. But remember, grass
grows at different rates at different times. So to maintain
the same cutting height, which is a good practice, mow
more often in early spring. As the grass growth rate slows
in mid summer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow
for an extended period, first mow at a high cutting height;
then mow again two days later at a lower height setting.
Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed in
certain conditions.
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the mower
you previously used, raise the cutting height to ensure that
uneven turf is not cut too short.