Before Leaving Operator's Position; Mowing Pattern & Tips - Simplicity 5211 Operator's Manual

Operation
9. Adjust engine speed control to desired
speed. Between 3/4 and full speed is
recommended for mowing.
10. For a gradual stop,
press the pedal
down only far enough to disengage the
clutch. For a more rapid stop, press
pedal down farther to apply the brake.
^^WARNING
To reduce fire hazard keep the engine,
tractor and mower free of grass, leaves
and excess grease.
^kwARNING
Never store the tractor where gasoline
fumes can reach an open flame or
spark.
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S
POSITION
I. Stop tractor motion by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal. Set the parking
brake. Disengage the PTO.
2. Set engine speed control to SLOW. Let
the engine idle for 20 seconds then turn
the key to OFF. Remove the key to
prevent unauthorized use of tractor.
3. Lower the attachment.
4. Wait for all moving parts to stop.
MOWING PATTERN & TIPS
For the first use of the mower choose a
smooth level area. Cut long straight strips
overlapping slightly.
The size and type of area to be mowed
determine the best mowing pattern to use.
Obstructions such as trees, fences and build¬
ings must also be considered. Where possi¬
ble, make one or two passes in a clockwise
direction around the outside of the area to
keep cut grass off fences and walks. The
remainder of the mowing should be done in
a counterclockwise direction so the clippings
are dispersed on the cut area.
Where possible, keep the left side of the
mower toward trees, posts, or other obsta¬
cles on the first pass around obstacles to
keep hand trimming to a minimum.
On moderate size, frequently mowed lawns
where grass is light and dry, it is sometimes
practical to mow in a clockwise direction so
that clippings are thrown toward the center
of the lawn and eoncentrated for pickup and
removal.
Most lawns should be mowed to keep the
grass approximately two to three inches (50
to 76 mm) high. Best results are obtained by
cutting often and not too short. To help keep
a green lawn, never mow more than one
third off the height of the grass, or a
maximum of one inch (25 mm), in one
mowing. For extremely tall grass, set the
cutting height at maximum for the first pass,
and then reset to the desired height and mow
again.
On thick or springy grass or soft ground, the
mower rollers may sink into the ground
giving too low a cut. Adjust the cutting
height as necessary. For best appearance,
grass should be cut in the afternoon or early
evening (in daylight) when it is free of
external moisture.
Where possible, changing patterns occasion¬
ally to eliminate matting, graining or a
corrugated appearance.
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