Homelite 1600383 - Manual (Page 9)

Never leave the tractor seat unless the power take off
is disengaged, transmission is in neutral and engine is
stopped. If leaving the tractor unattended, ALWAYS
remove ignition key.
MOWING PATTERN
1. For the first use of the mower choose a smooth level
area. Cut long straight strips overlapping slightly. After
becoming familiar with the operation proceed to inclined
or rougher ground.
2. 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. In most cases,
making one or two passes in a counter-clockwise direction
around the outside of the area to be mowed is advisable to
keep cut grass off of fences, walks, etc. The remainder of
the mowing should normally be done in a clockwise di­
rection so the clippings are dispersed on the cut area.
3. Always keep the right side of mower toward trees, posts,
or other obstacles on the first pass around obstacle.
CAUTION
CAUTION
4. On moderate size, frequently mowed lawns where grass
is light and dry it is sometimes practical to mow in a counter­
clockwise direction so that clippings are thrown toward the
center of the lawn and concentrated for easy pickup and
removal.
5. Most lawns should be mowed to keep the grass approxi­
mately two to three inches high. Best results are obtained
by cutting often and not too short. To keep a green lawn,
never mow more than one third off the height of the grass or
a maximum of one inch in one mowing. For extremely tall
grass, set the cutting height at maximum for first mowing,
then reset to the desired height and mow again. Allow the
grass to grow to three inches, then cut off only the top inch.
6. On thick or springy grass or soft ground, the mower rol­
lers may sink into the ground giving too low a cut. Adjust
the cutting height to get the desired height of cut.
7. For best appearance, grass should be cut in the after­
noon or evening when it is free of moisture.
DO NOT WORK around mower housing area until
you are certain that the mower blade has stopped
rotating.
Heed the CAUTION DECAL, the DANGER DECAL,
and the WARNING DECAL located on the mower
housing. Make certain the discharge guard and de­
flector assembly are always in place before operating
mower.
ALWAYS disconnect the mower drive clutch and
stop engine before leaving the tractor seat. If leaving
the tractor and mower unattended, remove the ig­
nition key.
8. Where possible change patterns occasionally to eliminate
matting, graining and a corrugated appearance. See diagrams
below.