Warning Systems; Cruise Control Operation - Toro 30581 Groundsmaster 580-D Operator's Manual

Note: We recommend HIGH RANGE ground speed be
used for road travel only (with cutting units up).
Points to consider while operating the traction unit, cutting
units or other implements are the hydrostatic transmission,
engine speed, load on the cutting blades or other implement
components and the importance of the brakes. To maintain
adequate power for the traction unit and implement
components while operating, regulate traction pedal
position to keep engine rpm high and relatively constant.
Good rules to follow are; decrease ground speed as the
implement load increases, and increase ground speed as the
load decreases.

Warning Systems

If a warning light and audible warning come on during
operation, stop immediately and correct the problem before
continuing. Serious damage could occur if the machine is
operated with an uncorrected problem. However, if the
engine stops because of overheating, the emergency
over–ride button can be used to operate the engine for short
intervals (Fig. 31).
Figure 31
1. Engine override button
Mowing
When approaching area to mow, position the ground speed
selector in LOW RANGE and release. Switch lever will
return to neutral and High Range light will go out. Move
the throttle lever to FAST and lower the cutting units. Pull
the sleeve of the deck drive PTO switch up, position it in
ENGAGE position and release. Lever will return to neutral
position and PTO will be engaged automatically. Depress
traction pedal slowly to begin cutting operation.
Note: After lowering mowers, do not allow levers to snap
back to neutral. This could allow the levers to go past
neutral, lock the cutting units in a non-float mode and
prevent them from following turf contours.
Should either outboard cutting unit contact an immovable
object while mowing, the mower lift arm latch assembly
absorbs the impact and breaks away. This allows the cutting
unit to swing rearward. Should this occur, stop the machine.
Fully raise the cutting unit, then lower it to cutting position.
This will allow the lift arm latch assembly to return to
normal configuration. Be sure to inspect the cutting unit for
damage and repair as necessary before resuming operation.
The individual wheel brakes can be used to assist in turning
the machine. However, use them carefully, especially on
soft or wet turf because it may be torn accidentally. The
brakes are also beneficial to maintain traction; for example,
in some slope conditions, the uphill wheel may slip and
lose traction. If this occurs, gradually depress the uphill
brake pedal until the uphill wheel stops slipping, thus
increasing traction on the downhill wheel.
To stop mowing, depress the brake pedal to stop and
disengage the cruise control (if used), move the PTO switch
to DISENGAGE and release (switch returns to neutral),
then fully raise the cutting units.
High Range Ground Speed Operation
We recommend HIGH RANGE ground speed operation be
performed only on roads with the cutting units in fully
raised position. Start the machine in LOW RANGE, then
shift to HIGH RANGE. The HIGH RANGE Indicator light
will turn ON, indicating the machine is in the HIGH
RANGE mode. To cease HIGH RANGE operation, take
foot off traction pedal and apply the brakes. Move throttle
lever to SLOW and position ground speed selector in LOW
RANGE. If the engine begins to labor while climbing an
1
incline, ease off on the traction pedal and shift to LOW
RANGE. This will prevent overload of the engine and
hydraulic system.
Use extreme care while operating in HIGH
RANGE ground speed selection.
Watch closely for bystanders, other vehicles and
possible hidden hazards and be prepared to stop
quickly.

Cruise Control Operation

While operating the machine at the desired ground speed,
turn the cruise control switch to ON and press the cruise
control actuating button. The traction pedal will be held in
its position and a constant ground speed will be maintained.
A light on the steering column indicates the cruise control
is in operation. Ground speed can be changed by
over–riding the traction pedal. The pedal will maintain its
new position when the over–riding force is released.
To stop cruise control operation, turn cruise control switch
to OFF position or depress the service brake.
Note: Hold the traction pedal in position when stopping
cruise control operation, otherwise the machine will stop
abruptly due to hydrostatic braking action.
31
Caution