Mowing Procedures; Transport Operation - Toro 04356 Operator's Manual

Mowing Procedures

1. Approach the green with the shift selector in the No. 1
position. Start on one edge of the green so that the
ribbon procedure of cutting may be used. This holds
compaction to a minimum and leaves a neat, attractive
pattern on the greens.
Important
Shift to the No. 1 position when
approaching a green because the machine speed will
automatically be reduced when the cutting units are
engaged. Higher speed will resume when the cutting units
are disengaged.
2. Actuate the mow pedal as the front edge of the grass
baskets cross the outer edge of the green. This
procedure drops the cutting units to the turf and starts
the reels.
Note: The No. 1 (rear) cutting unit reel will not start until
all the cutting units are on the ground and the No. 2 and
No. 3 cutting units are cutting.
Important Familiarize yourself with the fact that the
No. 1 cutting unit reel is delayed and therefore, you should
practice to try to gain the required timing necessary to
minimize the cleanup mowing operation.
3. Overlap a minimal amount with the previous cut on
return passes. To assist in maintaining a straight line
across the green and keep the machine an equal distance
from the edge of the previous cut, establish an
imaginary sight line approximately 6 to 10 ft. (1.8 to
3 m) ahead of the machine to the edge of the uncut
portion of the green (Fig. 24 and 25). Some find it
useful to include the outer edge of the steering wheel as
part of the sight line; i.e. keep the steering wheel edge
aligned with a point that is always kept the same
distance away from the front of the machine (Fig. 24
and 25).
4. As the front of the baskets cross the edge of the green,
depress the lift pedal. This will stop the reels and lift the
cutting units. Timing of this procedure is important, so
the mowers do not cut into the fringe area. However, as
much of the green as possible should be cut to minimize
the amount of grass left to mow around the outer
periphery.
5. Cut down on operating time and ease lineup for the next
pass by momentarily turning the machine in the
opposite direction, then turning in the direction of the
uncut portion; i.e., if intending to turn right, first swing
slightly left, then right. This will assist in getting the
machine more quickly aligned for the next pass. Follow
the same procedure for turning in the opposite direction.
It is a good practice to try to make as short of a turn as
possible. However, turn in a wider arc during warmer
weather to minimize the possibility of bruising the turf.
3
Figure 25
1. Alignment strip
2. Approximately 5 in.
(12.7 cm)
3. Cut grass on left
Note: Due to the nature of the power steering system, the
steering wheel will not return to its original position after a
turn has been completed.
Important
The machine should never be stopped on a
green with the cutting unit reels operating as damage to the
turf may result. Stopping on a wet green with the machine
may leave marks or indentations from the wheels.
6. Finish cutting the green by mowing the outer periphery.
Be sure to change the direction of cutting from the
previous mowing. Always keep weather and turf
conditions in mind and be sure to change the direction
of mowing from the previous cutting. Replace the flag.
7. Empty the grass baskets of all clippings before
transporting to the next green. Heavy wet clippings
place an undue strain on the baskets and will add
unnecessary weight to the machine, thereby increasing
the load on the engine, hydraulic system, brakes, etc.

Transport Operation

Make sure the cutting units are in the full up position. Set
the shift selector in No. 2 if conditions will permit faster
ground speed. Shift to No. 1 and operate at slower ground
speeds in rough or hilly areas. Use the brakes to slow the
machine while going down steep hills to avoid loss of
control. Always approach rough areas at a reduced speed
(shift selector in No. 1), and cross severe undulations
carefully. Familiarize yourself with the width of the
24
4
2
1
4. Keep focal spot 6–10 ft.
(1.8–3 m) ahead of the
machine.