Grass Deflector; Operating Tips - Toro TimeCutter Z4220 Operator's Manual

Grass Deflector
The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses
clippings to the side and down toward the au-f.
Without the grass deflector, discharge cover,
or complete grass catcher assembly mounted
in place, you and others are exposed to blade
contact and thrown debris. Contact with
rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris will
cause injury or death.
Never remove the grass deflector from
the mower because the grass deflector
routes material down toward the turf.
If the
grass deflector is ever damaged, replace it
immediately.
• Never put your hands or feet under the
mox1:ero
Never try to clear discharge area or mower
blades unless you move the blade control
switch to Off and rotate the ignition key to
Off. Also remove the key and pull the wire
off the spark plug(s).
Operating Tips
Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate
the engine at the Fast position. Air is required to
thoroughly cut grass cIippings, so do not set the
height_of-cut so low as to 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.
Cutting a 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 is
generally the best one to use. When cutting grass longer
than six inches tall, you may want to cut the lawn twice
to ensure an acceptable quality of cut.
Cut 113 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 c_ppings which
enhances decomposition and fer_ation..
Mow at Correct Intervals
Normally, mow every four 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 sp_ing As the grass
gro_mh rate slows in mid summe_, mow less frequently
if you cannot mow for an extended period, first mow
at a high cutting height; then mow again two days later
at a lower height setting
Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality., use a slower ground speed..
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the
mower you prexqously used, raise the cutting height to
ensure that tmeven turf is not cut too short
Long Grass
tf 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
tllis setting Then cut the grass again using the lower,
normal setting
When Stopping
If the machine's forward motion must be stopped while
mowing, a dump of grass clippings may drop onto your
lawn. To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area
with the blades 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
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