Operating Characteristics; Selecting A Blade - Toro Groundsmaster 4500-D Operator's Manual

Operating Characteristics

Practice driving the machine because it has a
hydrostatic transmission and its characteristics are
different than many turf maintenance machines.
Some points to consider when operating the traction
unit and cutting units are the transmission, engine
speed, load on the cutting blades and the importance
of the brakes.
With Toro Smart Power™, the operator does not have
to listen to the engine speed in heavy conditions.
Smart Power prevents bogging down in heavy turf
by automatically controlling the machine speed and
optimizing cutting performance.
Another characteristic to consider is the operation
of the pedals that are connected to the brakes. The
brakes can be used to assist in turning the machine.
However, use them carefully, especially on soft or
wet grass because the turf may be torn accidentally.
Another benefit of the brakes is to maintain traction.
For example, in some slope conditions, the uphill
wheel slips and loses traction. If this situation
occurs, depress the uphill-turn pedal gradually and
intermittently until the uphill wheel stops slipping, thus,
increasing traction on the downhill wheel.
Use extra care when operating the machine on
slopes. Make sure that the seat latch is properly
secured and the seat belt is buckled. Drive slowly
and avoid sharp turns on slopes to prevent rollovers.
For steering control, the cutting unit must be lowered
when going downhill.
WARNING
This product is designed to drive objects into
the ground where they lose energy quickly
in grass areas. However, careless operation,
combined with terrain angle, ricochets, or
improperly positioned safety guards can lead
to thrown object injuries.
• When a person or pet appears suddenly in
or near the mowing area, stop mowing.
• Do not resume mowing until the area is
cleared.
Important:
Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes
before shutting it off after a full load operation.
This allows the turbo charger to cool down before
shutting the engine off. Failure to do so may lead
to turbo-charger trouble.
Before stopping the engine, disengage all controls
and set the engine speed to Slow. Setting the engine
speed to Slow reduces high engine rpm, noise, and
vibration. Turn the key in the ignition switch to the O
position to sop the engine.

Selecting a Blade

Standard Combination Sail
This blade was designed to provide excellent lift and
dispersion in almost any condition. If more or less lift
and discharge velocity is required, consider a different
blade.
Attributes: Excellent lift and dispersion in most
conditions.
Angled Sail
The blade generally performs best in lower heights of
cut– 1.9 to 6.4 cm (3/4 to 2–1/2 inches).
Attributes:
•
Discharge remains more even at lower heights of
cut.
•
Discharge has less tendency to throw left and thus
a cleaner look around bunkers and fairways.
•
Lower power requirement at lower heights and
dense turf.
High Lift Parallel Sail
The blade generally performs better in the higher
heights of cut– 7 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches).
Attributes:
•
More lift and higher discharge velocity.
•
Sparse or limp turf is picked up significantly at
higher heights of cut.
•
Wet or sticky clippings are discharged more
efficiently reducing congestion in the deck.
•
Requires more horsepower to run.
•
Tends to discharge further left and can tend to
windrow at lower heights of cut.
WARNING
Do not use the high lift blade with the
mulching baffle. The blade could break,
resulting in personal injury or death.
Atomic Blade
This blade was designed to provide excellent leaf
mulching.
Attributes: Excellent leaf mulching
FF
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