Operation; Starting/Stopping Engine; Checking Interlock System; Operating Characteristics - Toro 30230 Groundsmaster 225 Operator's Manual

Operation

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.

Starting/Stopping Engine

1. Ensure parking brake is set, PTO switch is in OFF
position and lift lever is in TRANSPORT or FLOAT
position. Remove foot from traction pedal and insure it
is in neutral.
2. Pull choke to full choke position and move throttle
control to SLOW position.
3. Turn key in ignition switch to START position. Release
key immediately when engine starts and allow it to
return to RUN position. Regulate choke to keep engine
running smoothly.
Note: Do not run starter motor more than 20 seconds at a
time or premature starter failure may result. If engine fails
to start after 20 seconds, turn key to OFF position, recheck
controls and procedures, wait 10 additional seconds and
repeat starter operation.
4. When engine is started for the first time, or after engine
oil change, or overhaul of engine, transmission or axle,
operate the machine in forward and reverse for one to
two minutes. Also operate the lift lever and PTO lever
to assure proper operation of all parts. Turn power
steering wheel to the left and right to check steering
response. Then shut engine off and check fluid levels,
check for oil leaks, loose parts and any other noticeable
malfunctions.
Caution
Shut engine off and wait for all moving parts to
stop before checking for oil leaks, loose parts or
other malfunctions.
5. To stop engine, move throttle control backward to
SLOW position, move PTO switch to OFF position and
rotate ignition key to OFF. Remove key from switch to
prevent accidental starting.

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 225 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
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