Operating Tips; Blade Maintenance - Toro TimeCutter SS 4225 Operator's Manual

Operating Tips

Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the
engine at the F position. Air is required to thoroughly cut
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grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut so low as to
totally surround the mower in uncut grass. Always try to have
1 side of the mower free from uncut grass, which allows air
to be drawn into the mower.
Using the Smart Speed™ Control
System
The Smart Speed™ Control System lever, located below the
operating position, gives you a choice to drive the machine at
3 speed ranges—high, tow, and low. You can benefit from the
lower speed setting when maneuvering the machine in tight
spaces or operating around delicate landscapes. You can also
use the low setting to operate the machine at a high throttle
setting and blade speed while still being able to reduce ground
speed to increase quality of cut.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut the grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that
the cutting height of the mower does not scalp any uneven
ground. However, the cutting height used in the past is
generally the best to use. When cutting grass longer than
15.2 cm (6 inches) tall, you may want to cut the lawn twice
to ensure an acceptable quality of cut.
Cut a Third of the Grass Blade
It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade. Cutting
more than that is not recommended unless grass is sparse, or
it is late fall when grass grows more slowly.
Mowing Direction
Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass standing
straight. This also helps disperse clippings, which enhances
decomposition and fertilization.
Mow at Correct Intervals
Normally, mow every 4 days. However, grass grows at
different rates at different times. To maintain the same cutting
height, which is a good practice, mow more often in early
spring. As the grass growth rate slows in mid summer, mow
less frequently. If you cannot mow for an extended period,
first mow at a high cutting height; then mow again 2 days
later at a lower height setting.
Avoid Cutting Too Low
If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the mower
you previously used, raise the cutting height to ensure that
uneven turf is not cut too short.
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 usual and cut the grass at this
setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower, normal
setting.
When Stopping
If you must stop the machine's forward motion while mowing,
a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn. To avoid
this, move onto a previously cut area with the blades engaged.
Keep the Underside of 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, the
cutting quality eventually becomes unsatisfactory.

Blade Maintenance

Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season, because
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 cutter blades daily for sharpness and for
any wear or damage. File down any nicks and sharpen the
blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it
immediately with a genuine Toro replacement blade.
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