Mowing; Mowing Recommendations - Snapper SW20 Series Operator's Manual

Operation
Mowing
Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in
CUTTINGHEIGHTADJUSTMENT.
1. Engagethe parking brake. Make sure the PTOswitch is
disengaged and the forward speed control lever is in the
NEUTRALposition
2. Start the engine (see Starting The Engine).
3. Set the throttle to FULL.
4. Engagethe PTOby pulling up on the PTOswitch.
5. Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations for tips
on mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting
information.
6. When finished, shut off the PTOby pushing the PTO
switch down completely.
7. Stop the engine (see Stopping TheEngine).
Mowing Recommendations
Severalfactors 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 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 mare 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).
I
Figure 15. Proper Cutting Height
Tall GrassRequires 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 HereOn
First Pass Cut Here
__ On Second
_j/, Pass
Figure 16. IncrementalCutting
20 www.SnapperPro.com