Operating Tips; After Operation; General Safety; Pushing The Machine By Hand - Toro Groundsmaster 360 Operator's Manual

Operating Tips

Using the Fast Throttle Setting
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.
Selecting the Ground Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed.
Decrease the ground speed as the load on the cutting
blades increases, and increase ground speed as the
load on the blades decreases.
Alternating Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to avoid making ruts in the
turf over time. This also helps the disperse clippings,
which enhances decomposition and fertilization.
Avoiding a Low Cut
If the machine cutting width is wider than the machine
that 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 25 mm (1 inch) or no
more than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In
exceptionally lush and dense grass, you may need
to slow down the forward speed and/or raise the
height-of-cut to the next higher setting.
Important:
If you are cutting more than 1/3 of the
grass blade, or are mowing in sparse long grass
or dry conditions, use the flat sail of the blades to
reduce air-borne chaff, debris, and strain on the
deck-drive components.
Cutting Long Grass
If you allow the grass to grow slightly longer than
normal, or if the grass contains a high degree of
moisture, raise the cutting height to a higher setting
and cut the grass at this setting. Then cut the grass
again using the lower, normal setting.
Keeping the Mower Clean
Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the
mower after each use. If grass and dirt build up
inside the mower, cutting quality eventually becomes
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.
Maintaining the Blades
•
Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting
season. Sharp blades create a clean cut without
tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing
and shredding causes grass to turn 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 the cutting unit Operator's Manual
for instructions to replace the blade.

After Operation

General Safety

•
Shut off the engine, remove the key (if equipped),
and wait for all movement to stop before you leave
the operator's position, Allow the machine to cool
before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing it.
•
Clean grass and debris from the cutting units,
mufflers, and engine compartment to help prevent
fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
•
If the cutting units are in the transport position, use
the positive mechanical lock (if available) before
you leave the machine unattended.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing the machine
in any enclosure.
•
Remove the key and shut off the fuel (if equipped)
before storing or hauling the machine.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or on other appliances.
•
Maintain and clean the seat belt(s) as necessary
Pushing the Machine by
Hand
If the machine stalls or runs out of fuel, you may need
to push it. You must first open both of the hydraulic
bypass valves.
Important:
Always push the machine by hand
and never a long distance. Never tow the machine,
because damage to the hydraulic system may
occur.
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