Operating Tips - Toro 74408TE Operator's Manual

Loading a unit onto a trailer or truck
increases the possibility of backward
tip-over and could cause serious injury or
death.
• Use extreme caution when operating a
unit on a ramp.
• Use only a single, full width ramp; Do
Not use individual ramps for each side
of the unit.
• If individual ramps must be used, use
enough ramps to create an unbroken
ramp surface wider than the unit.
• Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between
ramp and ground or between ramp and
trailer or truck.
• Avoid sudden acceleration while driving
unit up a ramp to avoid tipping backward.
• Avoid sudden deceleration while backing
unit down a ramp to avoid tipping
backward.
Figure 21
1. Trailer
2. Full width ramp
3. Not greater than
15 degrees
4. Full width ramp—side view

Operating Tips

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 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.
Cut 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.
Mowing Direction
Alternate 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 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.
Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed
in certain conditions.
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.
24