Mowing Techniques - Toro 03206 Operator's Manual

Don't shift the units from side to side, unless the cutting
units are down and the machine is moving, or the cutting
units are up in the transport position. Shifting the cutting
units when they are down and the machine is not moving
may cause turf damage.
The Reelmaster is a precision mowing machine, so always
drive slowly in rough areas.
Danger
The mower has a unique traction system that will
allow the machine to move forward on side hills,
even if the uphill wheel should come of the ground.
If this should happen, the operator or any
bystanders can be seriously injured or killed in a
rollover.
The slope angle at which the machine will tip is
dependent on many factors. Among these are
mowing conditions such as wet or undulating turf,
speed (especially in turns), position of the cutting
units (with Sidewinder) tire pressure and operator
experience.
At side hill angles of 20 degrees or less the risk of a
rollover is low. As the slope angle increases to a
Toro recommended maximum limit of 25 degrees
the risk of a rollover increases to a moderate level.
DO NOT EXCEED A 25 DEGREE SIDE HILL
SLOPE ANGLE BECAUSE THE RISK OF A
ROLLOVER AND SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH IS VERY HIGH.
To determine which hills or slopes may be safely
operated on, a site survey of the mowing area must
be done. When performing this site survey always
use common sense and take into consideration the
turf condition and the rollover risk. To determine
which hills or slopes may be safely operated on use
the inclinometer provided with each machine. To
perform a site survey, lay a 4' two by four on the
slope surface and measure the angle of the slope.
The 2 by 4 will average the slope but will not take
into consideration dips or holes which can cause a
sudden change in sidehill angle. THE MAXIMUM
SIDE HILL ANGLE SHOULD NOT BE
GREATER THAN 25 DEGREES.
Additionally, the Reelmaster 3100–D is equipped
with an angle indicator mounted on the steering
tube. This indicates the sidehill angle the machine
is on and identifies the recommended maximum
limit of 25 degrees.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT.
If a person appears in or near the operating area, stop the
machine, and don't start up again until the area is cleared.
The Reelmaster is a one–person machine. Never let anyone
else ride on the machine with you. This is extremely
dangerous and could result in serious injury.
Accidents can happen to anyone. The most common causes
are excessive speed, sudden turns, terrain (with the
Reelmaster 3100–D that's knowing what slopes and hills
can be mowed safely), not stopping the engine before
leaving the operator's seat, and drugs which impair your
alertness. Cold capsules or prescription drugs may cause
drowsiness, as can alcohol and other drugs. Stay alert and
stay safe. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.
The Sidewinder offers up to a maximum of 23 inches of
overhang, allowing you to trim closer to the edge of 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.
The use of protective equipment for eyes, ears, feet, and
head is recommended.
When transporting the machine from one work area to
another, raise cutting units to the fully up position, move
Mow/Transport slide to the left to transport and place
throttle in FAST position. (The cutting units will not
operate in transport.)

Mowing Techniques

To begin cutting, engage the reels, then approach the
mowing area slowly. Once the front reels 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 reels reach the edge of the mowing
area, lift the cutting units and perform a tear drop turn, to
quickly line you up for your next pass.
Mowing around bunkers ponds or other contours is easily
done with The Reelmaster 3100–D with Sidewinder. To use
the Sidewinder application, move the control lever left or
right, depending on your mowing application. The cutting
units can also be shifted to vary tire tracking.
The Reelmaster 3100–D cutting units can throw clippings
to the front or rear. Front throw should be used when
cutting off 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.
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