Using The Side Discharge; Operating Tips - Toro Groundsmaster 3200 Series Operator's Manual

Using the Side Discharge

The mower has a hinged grass deflector that
disperses clippings to the side and down toward the
turf.
DANGER
Without a grass deflector, discharge cover, or
complete grass catcher assembly mounted in
place, you and others are exposed to blade
contact and thrown debris. Contact with
rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris
will cause injury or death.
• Never remove the grass deflector from
the mower because the grass deflector
routes material down toward the turf. If the
grass deflector is ever damaged, replace it
immediately.
• Never put your hands or feet under the
mower.
• Never try to clear the discharge area or
mower blades unless you move the power
take off (blade control switch (PTO) to the
off position, rotate the ignition key to off
and remove the key.
• Make sure that the grass deflector is in the
down position.

Operating Tips

Fast Throttle Setting/Ground
Speed
To maintain enough power for the machine and deck
while mowing, operate the engine at the fast throttle
position and adjust your ground speed for conditions.
Decrease the ground speed as the load on the cutting
blades increases. Increase the ground speed as the
load on the blades decreases.
Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to avoid making ruts in
the turf over time. This also helps disperse clippings
which enhances decomposition and fertilization.
Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed.
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the cutting unit is wider than the
mower you previously used, raise the cutting height to
ensure that uneven turf is not cut too short.
Select the Proper Height-of-Cut
Setting to Suit Conditions
Remove approximately 1 inch (25 mm) or no
more than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In
exceptionally lush and dense grass, you may have
to slow down the forward speed and/or raise the
height-of-cut to the next higher setting.
Important:
If cutting more than 1/3 of the
grass blade off, or in sparse long grass or
dry conditions, the use of flat sail blades is
recommended to reduce air-borne chaff, debris,
and deck drive component strain.
Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than
normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture,
raise the cutting height higher than the usual setting
and cut the grass. Then, cut the grass again using
the lower, normal setting.
Keep the Cutting Unit Clean
Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the
cutting unit after each use. If grass and dirt build up
inside the cutting unit, cutting quality will eventually
become unsatisfactory.
To reduce the risk of fire hazard, keep the engine,
muffler, battery compartment, parking brake, cutting
units, and fuel storage compartment free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease. Clean up any spilled oil
or fuel.
Blade Maintenance
•
Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting
season; a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing
or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and
shredding turns grass brown at the edges, which
slows growth and increases the chance of disease.
•
Check the blades daily for sharpness and for
any wear or damage. Sharpen the blades as
necessary.
•
If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it
immediately with a genuine Toro replacement
blade. Refer to
Cutting-Unit Blade(s) (page
16
Removing and Installing the
21).