Preparing The Machine For Mowing; Training Period; Before Mowing; Mowing Procedures - Toro 04383 Operator's Manual

Preparing the Machine for
Mowing
To assist in aligning the machine for successive cutting
passes, it is suggested that the following be done to
the No. 2 and No. 3 cutting unit baskets:
1. Measure in approximately 5 in. (12.7 cm) from the
outer edge of each basket (Fig. 29).
2. Either place a strip of white tape or paint a line onto
each basket paralleling the outer edge of each basket
(Fig. 29).
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2
1
Figure 29
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.
3
4. Keep focal spot 6–10 ft.
(1.8–3 m) ahead of the
machine

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.
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. 30). 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 30
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
4
2
1
4. Keep focal spot 6–10 ft.
(1.8–3 m) ahead of
machine
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