Pushing Or Towing The Traction Unit; Operating Characteristics - Toro 30626 Operator's Manual

PTO lever to ON. The engine should stop within
2–3 seconds. If the engine does not stop, there is a
malfunction in the interlock system that should be
corrected before beginning operation.
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 that should be corrected before beginning
operation.
Pushing or Towing the
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 no push or tow the traction unit
faster than 2 to 3 MPH (3 to 4.8 km/h) because
transmission may be damaged. If traction unit
must be moved a considerable distance, transport
it on a truck or trailer. Whenever traction unit is
pushed or towed, bypass valve must be open.
1. Reach under traction unit and rotate bypass
valve (Figure 34) 1/2 to 1 turn counterclockwise.
Opening the valve opens an internal passage in
the transmission, thereby bypassing transmission
oil. Because fluid is bypassed, traction unit can be
moved without damaging the transmission.
Figure 34
1. Bypass valve
2. Before starting engine, close bypass valve by
rotating it clockwise until it is securely seated. Do
not exceed 5 to 8 ft-lb. (7 to 11 N-m). Do not start
engine when valve is open.
Important: Running the machine with bypass
valve open will cause the transmission to
overheat.

Operating Characteristics

Practice driving the machine because it has a hydrostatic
transmission and its characteristics are different than
many turf maintenance machines. Some points to
consider when operating the traction unit, cutting
unit, or other implement are the transmission, engine
speed, load on the cutting blades or other implement
components, and the importance of the brakes.
To maintain enough power for the traction unit and
implement while operating, 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 implement increases, and increase ground speed
as the load decreases.
Therefore, allow traction pedal to move backward
as engine rpm decrease, and depress pedal slowly as
rpm increase. 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.
Another characteristic to consider is the operation of
the turning pedals that are connected to 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. Another
benefit of the turning brakes is to maintain traction.
For example: in some slope conditions, the uphill wheel
slips and loses traction. If this situation occurs, depress
uphill turn pedal gradually and intermittently until the
uphill wheel stops slipping, thus, increasing traction on
the downhill wheel.
Use extra care when operating machine on slopes.
Always have seat pivot retaining pin installed. Drive
slowly and avoid sharp turns on slopes to prevent roll
overs. The cutting deck must be lowered when going
downhill for steering control.
The grass deflector must always be installed and in
lowest position on the side discharge cutting unit.
Careless operation, combined with terrain
angle, ricochets, or improperly positioned
safety guards can lead to thrown object injuries.
A person or pet may suddenly appear in or near
the mowing area.
Stop mowing and do not resume mowing until
the area is cleared.
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