Mowing; Mowing Recommendations - Ferris 5901244 Operator's Manual

11
Your Zero Turn Rider's unique ability to turn in place allows you
to turn around at the end of a cutting row rather than having to
stop and Y-turn before starting a new row.
For example, to execute a left end-of row zero turn:
1. Slow down at the end of the row.
2. Move the RIGHT ground speed control lever forward slightly
while moving the LEFT ground speed control lever back to
center and then slightly back from center.
3. Begin mowing forward again.
This technique turns the rider LEFT and slightly overlaps the
row just cut —eliminating the need to back up and re-cut missed
grass.
As you become more familiar and experienced with operating
the Zero Turn rider, you will learn more maneuvers that will
make your mowing time easier and more enjoyable.
Remember, the more you practice, the better your control
of the Zero Turn will be!

Mowing

1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure that the PTO switch
is disengaged, the ground speed control levers are locked
in the NEUTRAL position and the operator is in the seat.
2. Start the engine. See Starting the Engine .
3. Set the mower cutting height.
4. Set the throttle to FULL.
5. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
6. Begin mowing.
7. When finished, shut off the PTO.
8. Stop the engine. See Stopping the Rider .

Mowing Recommendations

Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts grass,
Following proper mowing recommendations can improve the
performance and life of your machine.
18
Height of Grass
Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference. Typically,
you should mow the grass when it 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 more than 1 inch at a time.
12
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).
Tall grass requires incremental cutting. For extremely tall
grass, set the cutting height at maximum for the first pass (A,
Figure 13), and then reset it to the desired height and mow a
second (B) 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.
ferrisindustries.com