Training Period; Before Mowing; Mowing Procedures - Toro 04383 Operator's Manual

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2
1
Figure 38
1. Alignment strip
2. Approximately 5 in.
(12.7 cm)
3. Cut grass on right

Training Period

Before mowing greens with the machine, find a clear area
and practice starting and stopping, raising and lowering the
cutting units, turning, etc. This training period will be
beneficial to the operator in gaining confidence in the
performance of the machine.

Before Mowing

Inspect the green for debris, remove the flag from the cup,
and determine the direction best to mow. Base the direction
to mow on the previous mowing direction. Always mow in
an alternate pattern from the previous mowing, so that the
grass blades will be less apt to lay down and therefore be
difficult to trap between the reel blades and bedknife.

Mowing Procedures

1. Approach the green with the functional control lever in
the Mow position and the throttle at full speed. Start on
one edge of the green so the ribbon procedure of cutting
may be used. This holds compaction to a minimum and
leaves a neat, attractive pattern on the greens.
2. Actuate the raise/lower mow lever 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.
3
4. Keep focal spot 6–10 ft.
(1.8–3 m) ahead of the
machine
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Important
Familiarize yourself with the fact that the
No. 1 cutting unit reel is delayed when lowering and
raising, 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 to 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. 39). 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.
3
Figure 39
1. Alignment strip
2. Approximately 5 inches
3. Cut grass on right
4. As the front of the baskets cross the edge of the green,
pull back on the raise/lower mow lever. 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 a turn as
possible. However, turn in a wider arc during warmer
weather to minimize the possibility of bruising the turf.
4
2
1
4. Keep focal spot 6–10 ft.
(1.8–3 m) ahead of
machine