Transporting The Machine; Operating Tips - Toro 74141 Operator's Manual

Transporting the Machine

Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine.
Ensure that the trailer or truck has all the necessary brakes,
lighting, and marking as required by law. Please carefully read
all the safety instructions. Knowing this information could
help you, your family, pets or bystanders avoid injury.
WARNING
Driving on the street or roadway without turn
signals, lights, reflective markings, or a slow
moving vehicle emblem is dangerous and can lead
to accidents causing personal injury.
Do not drive machine on a public street or roadway.
To transport the machine:
1. If using a trailer, connect it to the towing vehicle, and
connect the safety chains.
2. If applicable, connect the trailer brakes.
3. Load the machine onto the trailer or truck.
4. Stop the engine, remove the key, set the brake, and
close the fuel valve.
5. Use the metal tie-down loops on the machine to
securely fasten the machine to the trailer or truck with
straps, chains, cable, or ropes
1. Traction unit tie-down loops
(Figure 32).
Figure 32

Operating Tips

Using the Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate
the engine at the Fast throttle position. Air is required to
thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut
so low as to totally surround the mower by uncut grass.
Always try to have one side of the mower free from uncut
grass, which allows air to be drawn into the mower.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut 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 one to use. When cutting grass longer than
six inches tall, you may want to cut the lawn twice to ensure
an acceptable quality of cut.
Cutting 1/3 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.
Alternating the Mowing Direction
Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing
straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances
decomposition and fertilization.
Mowing at Correct Intervals
Normally, mow every four days. But remember, grass grows
at different rates at different times. So 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
two days later at a lower height setting.
Adjusting the Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed in certain
conditions.
Avoiding 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.
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