1. Turf Grass Mowing and Equipment Chapter 11

2. Learning Targets  I can identify the purpose of Mowing the Turf?  I can identify various mowers used to mow Turf?  I can identify the proper safety needed to use the mowers.

3. Reasons for Mowing  1. Looks: Eye Appeal  Increases the value of your home.

4. Reasons For Mowing  2. Functional

5. Mowing Height  Grass mowed too low can become weak or die in the lawn.  Known as Scalping

6. Mowing Height  Mow grass to High and the lawn will look shaggy.

7. Mowing Frequency  Cool Season Grass: 2 Times a Week  Warm Season Grass: Varies

8. Factors Affecting Mowing  Temperature  Moisture  Type of Grass  Use of home owner

9. 2 Types of Mowers used to Cut Turfgrass  1 st : Reel Mower

10. 2 Types of Mowers used to Cut Turfgrass  2 nd : Rotary Mower

11. Reel Mowers  Used on High Quality Turf.  Advantage: Safer to use More fuel efficient  Disadvantage: Difficult to cut tall grass. Expensive

12. Rotary Mowers  98% of sales are Rotary Mowers  Advantage: Easy maintenance, cuts all types of grass  Disadvantage: Safety hazards, Poor cutting quality

13. Flail Mower  Used on low maintenance lawns, Road Ways  Advantage: Mow large areas fast  Disadvantage: Mowing quality is poor, many blades to be sharpened

14. Chemical Mowing  PGR: Plant Growth Regulator  1. Slows plant growth (Less leaf length)  2. Plants are shorter (Shoot Growth)  Slows growth by 4-10 weeks Advantage: Reduce grass clippings Disadvantage: Over use of chemicals

15. Lawn Mower Safety Rules  80,000 people are injured each year by mowers.  10,000 result in amputation of toes and fingers.

16. Lawn Mower Safety Rules  1. One person on mower.  2. Turn off engine when not on the mower.  3. Walk lawn before mowing.  4. Read all directions that come with the mower.

17. Lawn Mower Safety Rules  5. Wear heavy shoes when mowing.  6. Never pour gasoline in tank while engine is hot.  7. Pay attention when mowing the lawn.  8. Never refuel engine on the lawn.  9. Change Oil every 24 working hours of use.

18. Selecting a Mower  Match mower to:  Size of the lawn  Amount of hours to be worked

19. Mowing Pattern  Change the mowing pattern each time.  Grass tends to lean the way it is cut.  Reduces Scalping of the lawn.  Use a brush to front of mower to lift the grass.  Grain: Grass cut in one direction. Causes less even cuts.