Adjusting the Anti-Scalp
Rollers
Whenever you change the height of cut, adjust the
height of the anti-scalp rollers.
Note:
Adjust the anti-scalp rollers so that the rollers
do not touch the ground in normal, flat mowing areas.
1.
Park the machine on a level surface, disengage
the blade-control switch, and move the
motion-control levers outward to the P
position.
2.
Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait
for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operating position.
3.
Adjust the anti-scalp rollers to 1 of the following
positions:
•
Upper hole—use this position with the mower
deck in the 63 mm (2-1/2 inches) and below
the height-of-cut positions
•
Lower hole—use this position with the mower
deck in the 76 mm (3 inches) and above the
height-of-cut positions
Figure 24
1. Anti-scalp roller
2. Lower hole—the mower
deck in the 76 mm (3
inches) and above the
height-of-cut positions
3. Flange nut
ARK
(Figure
24).
(Figure
24).
g019929
4. Upper hole—the mower
deck in the 63 mm (2-1/2
inches) and below the
height-of-cut positions
5. Bolt
Operating Tips
Maximizing Air Circulation
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate
the engine at the F
AST
thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the
height-of-cut so low as to totally surround the mower
deck in uncut grass. Always try to have 1 side of the
mower deck free from uncut grass, which allows air
to be drawn into the mower deck.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that
the cutting height of the mower deck 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 15 cm (6 inches) tall,
you may want to cut the lawn twice to ensure an
acceptable quality of cut.
Cutting a Third of the Grass Blade
It is best to cut only about a third 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.
Alternating the Mowing Direction
Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass
standing straight. This also helps disperse clippings,
which enhances decomposition and fertilization.
Mowing at Correct Intervals
Grass grows at different rates at different times of
the year. To maintain the same cutting height, 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.
Mowing at Slower Speeds
In certain conditions, mowing at a slower ground
speed can improve cut quality.
Avoiding Cutting Too Low
When mowing uneven turf, raise the cutting height
to avoid scalping the turf.
23
position. Air is required to