teach me how to mow.

[BeezFun]

I use 4 different patterns to do my yard, that way I don't have to trim around the trees. Each time I come at it from a different direction it get the side of the tree I missed last time. Any inconsistencies in the cut, like where the wheels push down the grass, also get cancelled out this way. I go clockwise and counter clockwise, then diagonal from both directions. If you live in suburbia this might leave things a little to scruffy, but if you're in the country the chickens won't mind.

 

[SandburRanch]

Depending on the season and what's growing and what's not, with my RH discharge mowers I sometimes do the first few rounds CW to prevent discharging Sandburs into flower beds, on the walk, into the house etc.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

I have an odd-shaped lawn with a hill in the middle. Just mowing around in a "circle" makes for a very strange pattern. I mow on a diagonal and switch the direction 90 degrees each mowing so two mowings' worth of diagonals make a "cross" pattern.

First I cut three laps around the perimeter. First one at the edge throwing into the lawn (It has a mulch kit, but it still throws right to some extent) so I'm not tossing clippings into the planting beds. Next two passes are throwing outward onto the previously cut area.

The actual "body" cuts (ouch!) are a moving oval. Well, long, skinny rectangle, actually. It's easier to do than describe, and most here will know what I'm talking about. First pass down the middle of the lawn (or either edge, I suppose) then turn 180 and run back but leave approximately the width of the deck uncut. One more pass down, then just walk the pattern so one pass cuts into the uncut mass of lawn, and the return pass cuts the stripe (giant mower-hawk?) that was left on the previous run.

Sheesh, someone help me describe this thing. Maybe a link to a drawing or something?

@andyt11, aren't you sorry you asked?

Z.

 

[tshep]

Zamboni pattern?

 

[andyt11]

Well that was way more fun than the old push mower. I did the edges and under the trees with the little push mower and then gave the kubota a go for the rest. Thottle all the way open and 2" deck hieght. I think it looks good. I did launch some clippings onto the beds at one point and down the front of the house where the grass is long I did manage to make a big pile of clippings. Had to go back and collect it with the other mower. I think so long as I di it once a week the clippings wont be a problem. Plus I'll figure out with way I want to be travelling too.

Thanks for the pointers all.

Does anyone know where I can download a manual?

 

[JoeL4330]

I'm not familiar with your rig, but a mulching setup--mulching blades and a sort of vortex attachment under the deck--will make your clippings disappear.

 

[Stargazer]

Hi I make 1-3 passes blowing grass inward to get close to fence dog pen whatnot then revrerse dir for rest of yard. Cut trimmer use down