Mowing patterns lips, General, Mulching mower operation (optional kit attachment) – Simplicity 1692969 User Manual

Page 15: Mulching, Mowing conditions, Speed

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GENERAL

For the first use of the mower, choose a smooth level

area. Cut long straight strips overlapping slightly.

The size and type of area to be mowed determines the

best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such as trees,

fences and buildings must also be considered. Where

possible, make one or two passes in a counterclockwise
direction around the outside of the area to keep the cut
grass off fences and walks. The remainder of the mow-
ing should be done in a clockwise direction so the clip-
pings are dispersed on the cut area.

Keep in mind the following lawn care and mowing tips:

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Too much maintenance is as detrimental to your lawn

as neglect.

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Mow when grass is 3-5 inches tall. Don’t cut shorter

than 2 to

inches. Cut only the top one-third of the

grass blade. Cutting below this level can lead to thatch
problems. Your mower has a cutting height adjustment

that can help you maintain a proper length.

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For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at
maximum for the first pass, and then reset to the

desired height and mow again.

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Mow often.

clippings of an inch or less decom-

pose more quickly than longer blades.

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Keep the blades on your mower sharp for finer clip-

pings.

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Let grass grow a bit longer when it is hot to reduce

heat build-up

and

protect grass from heat damage.

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Use slow-release fertilizer for slow, even growth.

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Don’t cover grass surface with a heavy layer of clip-

pings. Consider using a grass collection system and
starting a compost pile.

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Aerate lawn in spring, consider renting an aerator

which removes cores of soil from the lawn. This

increases the speed of clipping decomposition and

deep root growth by opening up the soil and permitting
greater movement of water, fertilizer and air.

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Don’t over-water. Too much water can encourage

disease development.

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Mow when the grass is dry, preferably in the late

afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.

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Where possible, change patterns occasionally to

eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appear-
ance.

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For wet grasses, grasses prone to wheel tracking and

for collecting clippings:

a. Use sharp blades.

b. Adjust deck

higher in front than in rear.

c. Run at maximum engine

speed

but slow ground

speed.

d. Clean deck of built-up material/caked-on grass.

e. Check for free movement of mower idler pulley.

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For dry conditions where grass blow-out is a problem:

a. Use sharp blades.

b. Adjust deck flat to

maximum lower in front.

c. Use

engine speed.

d. Clean deck of built-up material/caked-on grass.

MULCHING MOWER OPERATION
(OPTIONAL KIT ATTACHMENT)

Mulching

Mulching consists of actually cutting and recutting clip
pings into tiny particles and blowing them into the lawn.
These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products
your lawn can use. Under proper conditions, your
mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clip-
pings on the lawn surface.

Mowing Patterns lips

Keep in mind these mulching tips:

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Use mulching mower or

kit without shred-

ders for grass mulching.

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Install shredders for leaf shredding.

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Use maximum engine speed.

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Raise height of cut if excessive power is used.

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Must use sharp blades. Do not

lift tabs or high lift

blade when mulching.

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Adjust to lower ground speeds in heavy grass or if

wind rowing is present.

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Clean deck of built-up material/caked-on grass.

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Check for free movement of mower idler pulley.

Mowing Conditions

The best mulching results from mowing when lawn is dry

and

grass blades are not

Follow these

guidelines for best results:

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Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during

the first two or three mowings in the spring. The long

grass blades, quick growth, and often wetter condi-

tions are more suitable for side-discharge (broadcast-

ing) or grass bagging operation.

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Avoid mulching after rain or heavy dew. It may be

better to mow later in the day or early evening when

lawn is drier.

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