Toro 03206 Operator's Manual page 34

• The Sidewinder offers up to a maximum of 13
inches (33 cm) of overhang, allowing you to trim
closer to the edge of sand traps and other obstacles,
while at the same time keeping the tractor tires as
far away from the edge of traps or water hazards
as possible.
• If an obstacle is in the way, shift the cutting units
to easily mow around it.
• When transporting the machine from one work
area to another, raise the cutting units to the fully
up position, move the mow/transport slide to the
left to transport, and place the throttle in the Fast
position.
Mowing Techniques
• To begin cutting, engage the cutting units, then
approach the mowing area slowly. Once the front
cutting units are over the mowing area, lower the
cutting units.
• To achieve the professional straight-line cut and
striping that is desirable for some applications, find
a tree or other object in the distance and drive
straight toward it.
• As soon as the front cutting units reach the edge of
the mowing area, lift the cutting units and perform
a tear drop shaped turn to quickly line you up for
your next pass.
• To mow around bunkers, ponds, or other contours
easily, use the Sidewinder and move the control
lever left or right, depending on your mowing
application. The cutting units can also be shifted
to vary tire tracking.
• The cutting units tend to throw grass to the front
or the rear of the machine. Front throw should be
used when cutting smaller amounts of grass; thus,
leaving a better after-cut appearance. To throw
clippings to the front, simply close the rear shield
on the cutting units.
To prevent personal injury or damage to the
machine, do not open or close the cutting unit
shields while the engine is running.
Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts
to stop before opening or closing the cutting
unit shields.
• When cutting larger amounts of grass, position the
shields to just below horizontal. Do not open
the shields too far or an excessive amount of
clippings could build up on the frame, rear
radiator screen, and engine area.
• The cutting units are also equipped with balance
weights on the non-motor end to give an even
cut. You can add or remove weights if a mismatch
occurs on your turf.
After Mowing
After mowing, thoroughly wash the machine with a
garden hose without a nozzle to prevent excessive water
pressure from prevent contamination and damage
to the seals and bearings. Ensure that the radiator
and oil cooler are kept free of dirt or grass clippings.
After cleaning, inspect the machine for possible
hydraulic fluid leaks, damage, or wear to the hydraulic
and mechanical components. Check the cutting unit
blades to ensure that they are sharp and that the
reel-to-bedknife contact is properly adjusted.
Important: After washing the machine, move the
Sidewinder mechanism from left to right several
times to remove the water between the bearing
blocks and the cross tube (model 03206 only).
Selecting the Clip Rate (Reel Speed)
To achieve a consistent, high quality of cut and a
uniform after-cut appearance, it is important that the
reel speed be matched to the height of cut.
Important: If the reel speed is too slow, you may
notice visible clip marks. If the reel speed is too
fast, the cut may have a fuzzy appearance.
Adjust the clip rate (reel speed) as follows:
1. Verify the height-of-cut setting on the cutting units.
Use the column of the chart listing either 5 or 8
reels, and find the height-of-cut listing nearest the
actual height-of-cut setting. Look across the chart
to find the number that corresponds to that height
of cut.
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