Cutting Height Adjustment; Mowing; Mowing Recommendations - Ferris FW35 Series Operator's Manual

Cutting Height Adjustment

The cutting height indicator (A, Figure 9) will help you identify
the cutting height.
9
To raise the mower deck:
Turn the cutting height adjustment handle (B) clockwise.
To lower the mower deck:
Turn the cutting height adjustment handle counter-clockwise.

Mowing

Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in Cutting
Height Adjustment .
1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure that 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 the ½ throttle position.
NOTE: It is best practice to engage the PTO with the throttle
set at the minimum throttle position necessary to engage the
deck drive system without stalling the engine.
4. Engage the PTO by pulling up the PTO switch.
5. Move the throttle to the "FAST" position and begin mowing.
6. Release the parking brake and begin mowing.
7. When finished, reduce throttle speed so that the engine
idles and push the PTO switch down to shut off the PTO.
8. Stop the engine. See Stopping the Mower .

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.
16
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. Cutting
too short is often more damaging than allowing the grass to be
slightly higher.
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.
10
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).
Tall grass requires incremental cutting. For extremely tall
grass, set the cutting height at maximum for the first pass (A,
Figure 11), and then reset it to the desired height and mow a
second (B) 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.
ferrisindustries.com