Mowing Techniques; After Mowing - Toro 03200 Reelmaster 3100-D Operator's Manual

Practice going both forward and in reverse, starting and
stopping the machine. To stop, take your foot off the
traction pedal and let it return to neutral or press down on
the reverse pedal to stop. Going down a hill, you may need
to use the reverse pedal to stop.
When driving on slopes, drive slowly to maintain steering
control and avoid turns to prevent rollovers. In side hill
situations you should shift the sidewinder cutting units
to the up hill side to give you more stability. Conversely,
shifting the cutting units to the down hill side will give
you less stability. This should always be done before
going on a side hill.
When possible, mow up and down hills rather than across
them. Have the cutting units lowered when going down a
hill to maintain steering control. Do not attempt to turn on a
hill.
Practice driving around obstacles with the reels up and
down. Be careful when driving between narrow objects so
you don't damage the machine or cutting units.
On the Sidewinder unit, get a feel for the reach of the
cutting units so you don't hang them up or damage them in
any way.
Don't shift the units from side to side, unless the cutting
units are down and the machine is moving, or the cutting
units are up in the transport position. Shifting the cutting
units when they are down and the machine is not moving
may cause turf damage.
The Reelmaster is a precision mowing machine, so always
drive slowly in rough areas.
If a person appears in or near the operating area, stop the
machine, and don't start up again until the area is cleared.
The Reelmaster is a one–person machine. Never let anyone
else ride on the machine with you. This is extremely
dangerous and could result in serious injury.
Accidents can happen to anyone. The most common causes
are excessive speed, sudden turns, terrain (with the
Reelmaster 3100–D that's knowing what slopes and hills
can be mowed safely), not stopping the engine before
leaving the operator's seat, and drugs which impair your
alertness. Cold capsules or prescription drugs may cause
drowsiness, as can alcohol and other drugs. Stay alert and
stay safe. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.
The Sidewinder offers up to a maximum of 23 inches of
overhang, allowing you to trim closer to the edge of traps
and other obstacles, while at the same time keeping the
tractor tires as far away from the edge of traps or water
hazards as possible.
If an obstacle is in the way, shift the cutting units to easily
mow around it.
The use of protective equipment for eyes, ears, feet, and
head is recommended.
When transporting the machine from one work area to
another, raise cutting units to the fully up position, move
Mow/Transport slide to the left to transport and place
throttle in FAST position. (The cutting units will not
operate in transport.)

Mowing Techniques

To begin cutting, engage the reels, then approach the
mowing area slowly. Once the front reels are over the
mowing area, lower the cutting units.
To achieve the professional straight line cut and striping
that is desirable for some applications, find a tree or other
object in the distance and drive straight toward it.
As soon as the front reels reach the edge of the mowing
area, lift the cutting units and perform a tear drop turn, to
quickly line you up for your next pass.
Mowing around bunkers ponds or other contours is easily
done with The Reelmaster 3100–D with Sidewinder. To use
the Sidewinder application, move the control lever left or
right, depending on your mowing application. The cutting
units can also be shifted to vary tire tracking.
The Reelmaster 3100–D cutting units can throw clippings
to the front or rear. Front throw should be used when
cutting off smaller amounts of grass; thus, leaving a better
after cut appearance. To throw clippings to the front, simply
close the rear shield on the cutting units.
Caution
Shut engine off and wait for all moving parts to
stop before opening or closing cutting unit
shields
When cutting off larger amounts of grass, the shields shown
be positioned to just below horizontal. Do not open the
shields too far or excessive clippings can build up on the
frame, rear radiator screen and engine area.
The cutting units are also equipped with balance weights,
on the non–motor end, to give an even cut. Weights can be
added or removed if mismatch occurs on your turf.

After Mowing

At the completion of mowing operation, thoroughly wash
the machine with a garden hose – without a nozzle – so
excessive water pressure will not cause contamination and
damage to seals and bearings. Make sure radiator and oil
cooler are kept free of dirt or grass clippings. After
cleaning, it is recommended the machine be inspected for
possible hydraulic fluid leaks, damage or wear to hydraulic
and mechanical components and the cutting units checked
for sharpness and proper reel to bedknife adjustment.
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