Using The Machine; Mixing The Material; Using The Drum - Toro CM-658H-S Operator's Manual

Using the Machine

DANGER
This machine is capable of amputating hands.
• Stay in the operator's position while the machine
is running.
• Keep all bystanders a safe distance from the
machine.
• Stop the machine immediately if any people or
animals enter the work area.
• Never place any part of your body into a position
that causes an unsafe operating condition.
1. Ensure that the machine is on level ground and the
surrounding area is clear of obstacles. Disconnect the
machine from the tow vehicle and chock the front and
back of both tires to prevent any movement.
2. Read all the recommendations from the Safety section;
refer to Safe Operating Practices (page 4) before using
the machine.
3. Start the engine and close the engine cowl. Allow
the engine to warm up at idle for 2 minutes; refer to
Starting the Engine (page 24).
4. Use the handwheel to move the drum into an upright,
slightly tilted position to allow access for pouring
materials into the drum. This position also allows the
mixing paddles to mix the materials more effectively.
5. Push the drum-tilt brake down to lock the drum into
position and avoid accidentally dumping the material.
Important: If you need to stop the machine, use the
engine switch located on the cowl; refer to Stopping the
Engine (page 24).

Mixing the Material

DANGER
Eye and skin contact with concrete materials and
breathing the dust involved is hazardous to your
health.
• Ensure that there is adequate air ventilation.
• Wear a dust mask to prevent inhalation of dust
while using the machine; refer to Safe Operating
Practices (page 4).
• Avoid direct contact of cement and concrete
materials with skin and eyes.
Important: Do not add more material than the batch
capacity for your specific machine model; refer to
Specifications (page 14).
Note: Follow the manufacturer's instructions that are printed
on the packaging of the product that you are using.
Concrete has the following 4 basic ingredients:
•
Sand
•
Gravel
•
Portland cement
•
Water
Depending on the application, you can use different ratios
of these 4 ingredients.
There are many variations of concrete mix recipes, depending
on the application. It is important to use the appropriate
quantity of water. Using too little water will result in dry areas
in the mix, but using too much water will result in weaker
concrete. The amount of water needed will vary depending
on moisture content of the sand and gravel. The mix should
have a thickness similar to peanut butter.
Keep the poured concrete damp for several days to obtain
proper curing. Evaporation results in weaker concrete.
Concrete cures through hydration, a reaction between water
and cement.
Mixing Pre-mix Concrete
1. Ensure that the tilt brake is fully engaged and that the
drum is operating at full speed.
2. Pour water into the drum.
3. Add the required amount of dry pre-mix.
4. Allow the drum to turn while the mix reaches the
appropriate consistency.
Mixing Sand, Gravel, and Cement
The typical ratio for mixing concrete is 1 part Portland
cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts gravel.
1. Ensure that the tilt brake is fully engaged and that the
drum is operating at full speed.
2. Pour water into the drum.
3. Add the required amount of gravel.
4. Add the required amount of Portland cement.
5. Add the required amount of sand.
6. Allow the drum to turn while the mix reaches the
appropriate consistency.
Note: Adding water and gravel before cement and sand
allows the mix left in the drum from the previous batch to be
tumbled off of the drum and paddles and into the next batch.

Using the Drum

DANGER
Contact with the mixing paddles could cause
damage or injury.
Never put your hands inside the drum at any time.
25