Simplicity ZT2148T - Manual (Page 37)

LC-4
Lawn Care & Mowing Information
MOWING METHODS
Proper Broadcast Mowing
Broadcasting, or side-discharging, disperses fine clip-
pings evenly over the entire lawn. Many golf courses use
this method. Your mower has a deep dish deck to allow
freer circulation of clippings so they are broadcast evenly
over the lawn.
ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR BROADCASTING
Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing.
If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too
fast—using a slower ground speed will improve the cut-
ting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common
cutting problems.
ALWAYS use an appropriate ground speed for the thick-
ness and height of the grass you are cutting (3rd gear or
slower for manual gear models). If you hear the engine
slowing down you are mowing too fast, use a slower
ground speed.
HOW MUCH GRASS TO CUT OFF WHEN BROADCASTING
Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the
grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more
that 1 inch of grass in a single pass.
Proper Mulching
Mulching consists of a mower
deck which cuts and recuts clip-
pings into tiny particles and
which then blows them down
INTO the lawn. These tiny parti-
cles decompose rapidly into by-
products your lawn can use.
UNDER PROPER CONDI-
TIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate
noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.
NOTE: When mulching under heavy cutting conditions, a
rumbling sound may be present and is normal.
MULCHING REQUIRES EXCELLENT MOWING
CONDITIONS
Mulching mowers cannot function properly if the grass is
wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Even more
than normal mowing, mulching requires that the grass be
dry and the the appropriate amount is cut.
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 conditions are
more suitable for broadcasting (side-discharging) or
grass bagging operation.
ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED FOR BROADCASTING
Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground
speed so that clippings will be finely cut. Ground speed
while mulching should be HALF of the speed that would
be used when broadcasting (side discharging) under
similar conditions. Since mulching requires more horse-
power than broadcasting, using a slower ground speed is
vitally important for proper mulching operation.
HOW MUCH GRASS TO MULCH
The best mulching action typical-
ly results from cutting only the
top 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass
blade. This provides short clip-
pings which decompose properly
(much more quickly than longer
clippings). The ideal cutting
height will vary with climate, time of year, and quality of
your lawn. We recommend that you experiment with both
the cutting height and ground speed until you achieve
the best cut. Start with a high cutting height and using
progressively lower settings until you find a cutting height
that is matched to your mowing conditions and prefer-
ences.
Mulching Action