Ferris Industries HydroCut Series 5900111 - Manual (Page 21)

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Operation
MOWING
• Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
• Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).
• Set the throttle control to FULL.
• Manual Start: Grasp the operator presence /
parking brake handles and the handle bar grips at
the same time to deactivate engine kill system and
disengage the parking brake.
• Electric Start: Push down on either one of the
speed control handles to deactivate engine kill
system. Push the brake lever forward to
disengage the parking brake.
• Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
• Begin mowing. See Lawn Care Section in the
back of this manual for tips on mowing patterns,
lawn care, and trouble shooting information.
• When finished, disengage the PTO.
• Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE MOWER).
Operation
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.
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 more 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).
Tall Grass Requires 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.
Figure 2. Proper Cutting Height
Figure 3. Incremental Cutting
Cut
Here On
Second
Pass
Cut Here On
First Pass