One rule of thumb, you can either cut very thick, tall DRY grass with a CUT, or you can cut short, wet grass, but you cannot cut very thick, tall WET grass. The clumps can clog up the mower deck and bog down the engine. Also, if it is wet, you are more likely to make ruts of tear the sod. If your grass has grown long, I suggest waiting until a warm, sunny day, after the dew has dried. Then mow it to the height you want, even if you have to mow twice (though you shouldn't have to). If you need to be in 4wd to mow, you shouldn't be mowing! Once the initial cut is over, I would think you could mow once/twice weekly during the growing season in 2wd, and mow only when the ground is pretty dry (dew on the grass is no big deal, unless it affects traction). In the fall, mow that final time in late fall to get the leaves and mow the grass down real short. When spring comes, it won't be so high/thick during the wet period. My 2710 will sink in my yard just sitting there if I take it out in March. If I wait until mid-April (upstate NY) after a few days of no rain, I can mow worry free. I was REALLY concerned about the 2710 being too heavy, but patience is the key to not ruining your lawn.