Setting The Reel Speed; Mowing - Toro 04520 Operator's Manual

Setting the Reel Speed

To achieve a consistent, high-quality cut and a uniform,
after-cut appearance, you must correctly set the reel speed
control (located on the manifold block under the cover to the
left of the seat). Adjust the reel speed control as follows:
1. Select the height-of-cut at which the cutting units are
set.
2. Choose the desired ground speed best suited for
conditions.
3. Using the appropriate graph (See
11, or 14 blade cutting units, determine the proper reel
speed setting.
4. To set the reel speed, rotate the knob
until the indicator arrows are in line with the number
designating desired setting.
1. Reel-speed control
Note: You can increase or decrease the reel speed to
compensate for turf conditions.
Figure 34) for 5, 8,
Figure 34
(Figure
Figure 35

Mowing

Before mowing greens, find a clear area and practice starting
and stopping the machine, raising and lowering the cutting
units, turning, etc.
Inspect the green for debris, remove the flag from the cup,
and determine the best direction to mow. Base the direction
to mow on the previous mowing direction. Always mow in an
alternate pattern from the previous mowing so that the grass
blades will be less apt to lay down and therefore be difficult
to trap between the reel blades and the bedknife.
1. Approach the green with the functional-control lever
in the M
2. Start on one edge of the green so that you can use the
ribbon procedure of cutting.
Note: This holds compaction to a minimum and
leaves a neat, attractive pattern on the greens.
3. Actuate the raise/lower mow lever as the front edges
of the grass baskets cross the outer edge of the green.
Note: This procedure drops the cutting units to the
turf and starts the reels.
Important: The No. 1 cutting unit reel is delayed;
therefore, you should practice to gain the required
timing necessary to minimize the cleanup mowing
operation.
g014736
4. Overlap a minimal amount with the previous cut on
return passes.
Note: To assist in maintaining a straight line across
35)
the green and keep the machine an equal distance from
the edge of the previous cut, establish an imaginary
sight line approximately 1.8 to 3 m (6 to 10 ft) ahead
of the machine to the edge of the uncut portion of the
green
outer edge of the steering wheel as part of the sight
line; i.e. keep the steering wheel edge aligned with a
point that is always kept the same distance away from
the front of the machine.
1
5. As the front edges of the baskets cross the edge of the
green, move the raise/lower mow lever rearward and
hold it until all the cutting units have risen. This will
stop the reels and lift the cutting units.
Note: It is important to time this step correctly so
that you do not cut into the fringe area yet cut as much
of the green as possible to minimize the amount of
grass left to mow around the outer periphery.
6. To cut down on operating time and ease lineup for
g014623
the next pass, momentarily turn the machine in the
opposite direction, then turn it in the direction of the
uncut portion; i.e., if intending to turn right, first swing
slightly left, then right.
Note: This will assist in getting the machine more
quickly aligned for the next pass. Try to make as short
29
position and the throttle at full speed.
OW
(Figure 36). Some find it useful to include the