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

Figure 38
1. Alignment strip
2. Approximately 5 inches
(12.7 cm)

Training Period

Before mowing greens with the machine, it is
recommended that you 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 best direction 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 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.
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.
3. Cut grass on right
4. Keep focal spot 6-10 ft
(1.8-3 m) ahead of the
machine.
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 (Figure 38 and
Figure 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 (Figure 38 and Figure 39).
1. Alignment strip
2. Approximately 5 inches
(12.7 cm)
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
34
Figure 39
3. Cut grass on left
4. Keep focal spot 6-10 ft
(1.8-3 m) ahead of the
machine.