Checking Interlock System; Operating Characteristics; Pushing Or Towing Traction Unit - Toro Groundsmaster 228–D Operator's Manual

Checking Interlock System

The purpose of the safety interlock system is to prevent the
engine from cranking or starting unless the traction pedal is
in neutral and the PTO switch is in the OFF position. In
addition, the engine will stop when the PTO control is
engaged or traction pedal is depressed with operator off the
seat or when parking brake is engaged.
Caution
If safety interlock switches are disconnected or
damaged the machine could operate unexpectedly
causing personal injury.
Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
Check the operation of the interlock switches
daily and replace any damaged switches before
operating the machine.
Replace switches every two years regardless of
whether they are operating properly or not.
1. Move PTO switch to OFF position and remove foot
from traction pedal so it is fully released.
2. Rotate the ignition key to START. Engine should crank.
If engine cranks, proceed to step 3. If engine does not
crank, there may be a malfunction in the interlock
system.
3. Raise off the seat and engage the PTO switch while the
engine is running. The engine should stop within 2
seconds. If engine stops, the switch is operating
correctly; thus, proceed to step 4. If engine does not
stop, there is a malfunction in the interlock system.
4. Raise off the seat and depress the traction pedal while
engine is running the PTO lever is disengaged. The
engine should stop within 2 seconds. If engine stops, the
switch is operating correctly; thus, proceed to step 5 If
engine does not stop, there is a malfunction in the
interlock system.
5. Engage the parking brake. Depress the traction pedal
while engine is running and the PTO lever is
disengaged. The engine should stop within 2 seconds. If
engine stops, the switch is operating correctly; thus,
continue operation. If engine does not stop, there is a
malfunction in the interlock system.

Operating Characteristics

Practice driving the GROUNDSMASTER 228–D 4
Wheel Drive before initial operation because it has a
hydrostatic transmission and its characteristics are different
than some turf maintenance machines. Some points to
consider when operating the traction unit and cutting unit
are the transmission, engine speed, load on the cutting
blades, and the importance of the brakes.
To maintain enough power for the traction unit and cutting
unit while mowing, regulate traction pedal to keep engine
rpm high and somewhat constant. A good rule to follow is:
decrease ground speed as the load on the cutting blades
increases; and increase ground speed as load on the blades
decreases. This allows the engine, working with the
transmission, to sense the proper ground speed while
maintaining high blade tip speed necessary for good
quality-of-cut. Therefore, allow traction pedal to move
upward as engine speed decreases, and depress pedal
slowly as speed increases. By comparison, when driving
from one work area to another—with no load and cutting
unit raised—have throttle in FAST position and depress
traction pedal slowly but fully to attain maximum ground
speed.
Caution
This machine produces sound levels in excess of
85dBA at the operators ear and can cause hearing
loss through extended periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this
machine.
Another characteristic to consider is the operation of the
brakes. The brakes can be used to assist in turning the
machine; however, use them carefully, especially on soft or
wet grass because the turf may be torn accidentally. The
brakes can be used to great advantage to control the
direction of the cutting unit when trimming along fences or
similar objects. The other benefit of the brakes is to
maintain traction. For example; in some slope conditions,
the uphill wheel slips and loses traction. If this situation
occurs, depress uphill brake pedal gradually and
intermittently until the uphill wheel stops slipping; thus,
increasing traction on the downhill wheel. If independent
braking is not desired, engage the lever on left brake pedal
with right pedal. This provides simultaneous braking at
both wheels.
Before stopping the engine, disengage all control and move
throttle to SLOW. Moving throttle to SLOW reduces high
engine speed, noise and vibration. Turn ignition key to OFF
to stop the engine.
Pushing Or Towing Traction
Unit
In an emergency, the traction unit can be pushed or towed
for a very short distance. However, Toro does not
recommend this as standard procedure.
Important
Do not push or tow the traction unit faster
than 2 to 3 mph (3.2 to 4.8 Km/hr) because transmission
may be damaged. IF traction unit must be moved a
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