Operating Tips - Toro DH 220 Operator's Manual

Operating Tips

•
For the best performance, operate the engine at
the maximum speed. The mower requires air to
thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the
height-of-cut too low or completely surround the
mower in uncut grass. Always leave one side of
the mower free from uncut grass to allow the air to
be drawn into the mower.
•
Cut the grass slightly longer than normal to ensure
that the cutting height of the mower does not scalp
any uneven ground. When cutting grass longer
than 6 inches (15 cm) tall, cut the lawn twice to
ensure an acceptable appearance.
•
It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade.
Do not cut more than that unless the grass is
sparse or it is late fall when grass grows more
slowly.
•
Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass
standing straight. This also helps disperse
clippings and enhances decomposition and
fertilization.
•
Grass grows at different rates at different times of
the season. 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 the grass is longer than normal, or if it contains
a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height
higher than usual, cut the grass at that setting,
and then cut the grass again at the lower, normal
setting.
•
If you must stop the machine while mowing, you
may leave a clump of grass clippings on your lawn.
To avoid this, do the following:
– Engage the blades and move to a previously
cut area.
– Disperse the clippings evenly by raising the
mower 1 or 2 height-of-cut settings while
driving forward with the blades engaged.
•
Use the washout ports to clean clippings and dirt
from the underside of the mower after each use. If
grass and dirt build up inside the mower, the cutting
quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.
•
Maintain sharp blades throughout the season.
Sharp blades cut grass cleanly without tearing or
shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding
the grass turns it brown at the edges, which slows
its growth and increases the chance of disease.
Every 30 days, check the blades for sharpness
and file down any nicks.
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