Operator's Manual

23
Before Mowing
Inspect the green for debris, remove the flag from the cup,
and determine the best direction to mow. Base the direction
to mow on the previous mowing direction. Always mow in
an alternate pattern from the previous mowing so that the
grass blades will be less apt to lay down and therefore be
difficult to trap between the reel blades and bedknife.
Mowing Procedures
1. Approach the green with the shift selector in the No. 1
position. Start on one edge of the green so that the
ribbon procedure of cutting may be used. This holds
compaction to a minimum and leaves a neat, attractive
pattern on the greens.
Important Shift to the No. 1 position when
approaching a green because the machine speed will
automatically be reduced when the cutting units are
engaged. Higher speed will resume when the cutting units
are disengaged.
2. Actuate the mow pedal as the front edge of the grass
baskets cross the outer edge of the green. This
procedure drops the cutting units to the turf and starts
the reels.
Note: The No. 1 (rear) cutting unit reel will not start until
all the cutting units are on the ground and the No. 2 and
No. 3 cutting units are cutting.
Important Familiarize yourself with the fact that the
No. 1 cutting unit reel is delayed and therefore, you should
practice to try to gain the required timing necessary to
minimize the cleanup mowing operation.
3. Overlap a minimal amount with the previous cut on
return passes. To assist in maintaining a straight line
across the green and keep the machine an equal distance
from the edge of the previous cut, establish an
imaginary sight line approximately 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 to
3 m) ahead of the machine to the edge of the uncut
portion of the green (Fig. 26 and 27). Some find it
useful to include the outer edge of the steering wheel as
part of the sight line; i.e. keep the steering wheel edge
aligned with a point that is always kept the same
distance away from the front of the machine (Fig. 26
and 27).
4. As the front of the baskets cross the edge of the green,
depress the lift pedal. This will stop the reels and lift the
cutting units. Timing of this procedure is important, so
the mowers do not cut into the fringe area. However, as
much of the green as possible should be cut to minimize
the amount of grass left to mow around the outer
periphery.
4
3
1
2
Figure 27
1. Alignment strip
2. Approximately 5 in.
(12.7 cm)
3. Cut grass on left
4. Keep focal spot 6–10 ft.
(1.8–3 m) ahead of the
machine.
5. Cut down on operating time and ease lineup for the next
pass by momentarily turning the machine in the
opposite direction, then turning in the direction of the
uncut portion; i.e., if intending to turn right, first swing
slightly left, then right. This will assist in getting the
machine more quickly aligned for the next pass. Follow
the same procedure for turning in the opposite direction.
It is a good practice to try to make as short of a turn as
possible. However, turn in a wider arc during warmer
weather to minimize the possibility of bruising the turf.
Important The machine should never be stopped on a
green with the cutting unit reels operating as damage to the
turf may result. Stopping on a wet green with the machine
may leave marks or indentations from the wheels.
6. Finish cutting the green by mowing the outer periphery.
Be sure to change the direction of cutting from the
previous mowing. Always keep weather and turf
conditions in mind and be sure to change the direction
of mowing from the previous cutting. Replace the flag.
7. Raise the cutting units and empty the grass baskets of
all clippings before transporting to the next green.
Heavy wet clippings place an undue strain on the
baskets and will add unnecessary weight to the
machine, thereby increasing the load on the engine,
hydraulic system, brakes, etc.