Tips For Mowing Grass - Toro 71199 Operator's Manual

Tips for Mowing Grass

Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the
engine at Fast. Air is required to thoroughly cut grass
clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut too low or 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.
Using the Mower 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 is
generally the best one to use. When cutting grass longer
than 6 in. (15 cm) 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 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 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
Use the washout port to 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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