OPERATING THE MOWER
MOWING TIPS
WARNING
To avoid serious injury or death:
• Clear the work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Keep bystanders and animals away from the
mowing area.
• Be sure to disengage the PTO and sit on the
operator's seat before starting the engine.
1. When using the mower for the first time, choose a
smooth level area and cut in straight and slightly
overlapping strips.
2. The size and type of the area to be mowed will
determine the proper mowing pattern. Take into
account obstructions, such as trees, fences and
buildings.
To keep grass clippings off fences, sidewalks and
so on, it is advisable to go over the outside of the
area to be mowed several times in a clockwise
direction.
To mow the area remaining, work in a
counterclockwise direction so that the clippings are
dispersed onto the previously cut area.
3. Always keep the left side of the mower toward
trees, posts or other obstacles on the first trip
around the obstacle.
4. Most lawns must be mowed to keep the grass
approximately 50 to 80 mm (2 to 3 in.) high. Best
results are obtained by cutting often and not too
short.
For a healthy lawn, only 1/3 of the grass plant
should be removed in 1 mowing. For example, tall
grass with the height of 75 mm (3 in.) can be cut to
a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.).
For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at
maximum cutting height for the first mowing, then
reset to the desired height and mow again. Allow
the grass to grow to 80 mm (3 in.), then cut off only
the top 25 mm (1 in.).
5. Clippings may be left on the lawn unless they form
clumps or rows.
(A) H/G>2/3
(G) Before mowing
(H) Best cut grass height: 50 to 80 mm
6. For best appearance, grass must be cut in the
afternoon or evening when it is free of moisture.
ADJUSTING THE CUTTING
HEIGHT
DANGER
To avoid serious injury or death:
• Do not engage the mower in the “TRANSPORT”
position.
The cutting height control dial can adjust the cutting
height from 25 mm (1 in.) to 122 mm (5 in.) with 6 mm
(0.25 in.) step.
1. Before adjusting the cutting height, check that all
tire pressures are correct. If necessary, adjust to the
correct tire pressure.
2. To set the cutting height, start engine and depress
the hydraulic lift control pedal (UP) to raise mower
deck to the top position. Adjust the cutting height
control dial to desired height.
Lower the mower deck by depressing the hydraulic
lift control pedal (DOWN).
Then the mower deck will be set to the cutting
height.
OPERATING THE MOWER
MOWING TIPS
44
ZD1211,ZD1221
