Mowing; Mowing Recommendations - Ferris CCW36 Series Operator's Manual

Operation

Mowing

Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in
Cutting Height Adjustment.
1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is
disengaged and the forward speed control lever is in the
NEUTRAL position
2. Start the engine (see Starting The Engine).
3. Set the throttle to FULL.
4. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
5. Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations for tips
on mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting
information.
6. When finished, shut off the PTO by pushing the PTO
switch down completely.
7. Stop the engine (see Stopping The Engine).

Mowing Recommendations

Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts grass,
Following proper mowing recommendations can improve
the performance and life of your machine.
Height of Grass
Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference.
Typically, you should mow the grass when it is between
three and five inches high. The proper cutting height
range for a specific lawn will depend upon several factors,
including the type of grass, the amount of rainfall, the
prevailing temperature, and the lawn's overall condition.
• Cutting the grass too short causes weak, thin grass
plants, which are easily damaged by dry periods and
pests.
• Letting grass grow a bit longer—especially when 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.
• 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).
18
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.
Don't cover the grass surface with a heavy layer of
clippings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.
Cut Here On
First Pass
Incremental Cutting
Cut Here
On Second
Pass
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