Toro 71198, Operator'S Manual

Operation

17

Tips for Mowing Grass

Fast Throttle Setting

For best mowing and maximum air circulation,
operate the engine at “FAST.” Air is required to
thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the
height-of-cut too low or totally surround the mower
by uncut grass. Always try to have one side of the
mower free from uncut grass, which allows air to be
drawn into the mower.

Using the mower for the First Time

Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure the
cutting height of the mower does not scalp any
uneven ground. However, the cutting height used in
the past is generally the best one to use. When cutting
grass longer than six inches tall, you may want to cut
the lawn twice to assure an acceptable quality-of-cut.

Cut 1/3 of the Grass Blade

It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade.
Cutting more than that is not recommended, unless
grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass grows more
slowly.

Mowing Direction

Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing
straight. This also helps disperse clippings which
enhances decomposition and fertilization.

Mow at Correct Intervals

Normally, mow every 4 days. But remember, grass
grows at different rates at different times. So to
maintain the same cutting height, which is a good
practice, mow more often in early spring. As the
grass growth rate slows in mid summer, mow less
frequently. If you cannot mow for an extended period,
first mow at a high cutting height; then mow again 2
days later at a lower height setting.

Ground Speed

To improve cut quality, use slower ground speed.

Avoid Cutting Too Low

If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the
mower you previously used, raise the cutting height
one notch to ensure uneven turf is not cut too short.

Long Grass

If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer
than normal, or if it contains a high degree of
moisture, raise the cutting height higher than usual
and cut the grass at this setting. Then cut the grass
again using the lower, normal setting.

When Stopping

If the machine’s forward motion must be stopped
while mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop
onto your lawn. To avoid this:

1.

With the blade(s) “ENGAGED,” move onto a
previously cut area.

2.

To disperse the clippings evenly, raise the mower
one or two height-of-cut settings while driving
forward with the blade(s) “ENGAGED.”

Keep the Underside of the Mower Clean

Use the washout port to clean clippings and dirt from
the underside of the mower after each use. If grass
and dirt build up inside the mower, cutting quality
will eventually become unsatisfactory.

Blade Maintenance

Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season
because a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or
shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding
turns grass brown at the edges, which slows growth
and increases the chance of disease. Every 30 days,
check the cutter blade(s) for sharpness and file down
any nicks.