Cub Cadet 190-209-100 User Manual

Page 19

SECTION VI. MOWING

MOWING

WARNING: To avoid possible injury, do
not allow anyone in the area while
mowing. Although the area has been
supposedly cleared of foreign objects,
small objects may be picked up and
discharged by the mower.

For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps should be cut with the discharge thrown towards
the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of
cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn.

Do not cut the grass too short, as the mower will tend
to scalp the grass. Short grass invites weed growth
and yellows quickly in dry weather.

Mowing should be done with the engine at full throttle.
Do not mow at high ground speed.

During certain times of the year and under some con-
ditions, the mower may leave streaks of uncut grass.

Streaking may occur when attempting to mow heavy
weeds and tall grass. Under these conditions it may be
necessary to go back over the cut area a second time
to get a clean cut.

The following practices will help eliminate streaking:

Mow the area more often so the grass doesn’t get
too tall and heavy.

Operate the tractor at full throttle and slower
forward speeds.

Keep the blades sharp and replace worn blades.

Follow the mowing pattern shown in Figure 32.

Figure 32

MOWING WITH MULCHING OPTION

Install the Mulching Plug.

• If the mower deck has been used, clean any build-

up of grass clippings from the chute opening of the
deck housing.

• Lift and hold the chute deflector in the upward po-

sition. Position the mulching plug so that the re-
taining lip on the backside of the plug partially
interlocks with the lower edge of the deck chute
opening; then rotate the top of the plug upward so
that the hooks engage the deflector hinge rod (See
Figure 33).

• Push the mulching plug fully downward and lower

the chute deflector.

Figure 33

Do not cut wet grass. For effective mulching do
not cut wet grass. Wet grass sticks to the under-
side of the deck, preventing proper mulching and
dispersal of grass clippings.

Cut no more than 1/3 the length of the grass.
When mulching long grass, it may be necessary
to mow twice, lowering the deck another 1/3 of
the length for the second cut, and perhaps cutting
in a different pattern. Overlap the cut on each
pass to help clean up any heavy clippings left on
the lawn.

Use a slow ground speed. Adjust ground speed
so clippings can be evenly dispersed into the
lawn. When cutting heavy grass, it may be
necessary to use a slower ground speed in order
to get a well mulched cut.

Always operate the tractor at full throttle. For
the best cut and effective mulching, the engine
should be run at full throttle.

Clean underside of deck. Be certain to clean the
underside of the deck often to avoid a buildup of
grass clippings, which will prevent proper
mulching.

CHUTE

HOOKS

CHUTE DEFLECTOR

MULCHING

RETAINING

HINGE ROD

LIP

PLUG

HINGE ROD

LOWER EDGE OF
CHUTE OPENING

DEFLECTOR