Toro 79110 Operator's Manual page 13

Cutting the Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that the
cutting height of the mower does not scalp any uneven
ground. However, the cutting height used in the past
isgenerally the best one to use. When cutting grass
longer than 6 in. (15 cm) tall, you may want to cut the
lawn twice to assure an acceptable quality-of-cut.
Cut a Third 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 4 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 2 days later
at a lower height setting.
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the
mower you previously used, raise the cutting height one
notch to ensure that uneven turf is not cut too short.
Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than
normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise
the cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at
this setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower,
normal setting.
When Stopping
If the machine must be stopped while mowing, a clump
of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn. To avoid
this:
1. With the blade(s) engaged, move onto a previously
cut area.
2. To disperse the clippings evenly, raise the mower
one or two height-of-cut settings while driving
forward with the blade(s) engaged.
Keep the Underside of the Mower
Clean
Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the
mower after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside
the mower, cutting quality will eventually become
unsatisfactory.
Blade Maintenance
Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season
because a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or
shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding
turns grass brown at the edges, which slows growth
and increases the chance of disease. Every 30 days,
check the cutter blade(s) for sharpness and file down
any nicks.
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