Operating Tips - Toro 20381 Operator's Manual

3. Install the side-discharge chute and close the door onto
the chute (Figure 32).
Figure 32
Removing the Side-Discharge Chute
To remove the side discharge chute, reverse the steps above.
Important: Lock the side-discharge door after you close
it (Figure 33).
Figure 33

Operating Tips

General Mowing Tips
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine and
remove all objects that the machine could throw.
•
Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never
deliberately mow over any object.
•
If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately shut off the engine, disconnect the wire
from the spark plug, remove the electric-start button
(electric-start model only), and examine the machine for
damage.
•
For best performance, install a new blade before the
cutting season begins.
•
Replace the blade when necessary with a Toro
replacement blade.
Cutting Grass
•
Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not
cut below 51 mm (2 inches) unless the grass is sparse or it
is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down.
•
When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 inches) tall, mow at the
highest cutting height setting and walk slower; then mow
again at a lower setting for the best lawn appearance. If
the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause
the engine to stall.
•
Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can
cause the machine to plug or the engine to stall. Avoid
mowing in wet conditions.
•
Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry conditions,
follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free
g002637
of dry grass and leaf debris.
•
Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the
clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.
•
If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1
or more of the following:
– Replace the blade or have it sharpened.
– Walk at a slower pace while mowing.
– Raise the cutting height on your machine.
– Cut the grass more frequently.
– Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath
with each pass.
Cutting Leaves
•
After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn shows
g002593
through the cut leaf cover. You may need to make more
than a single pass over the leaves.
•
If there are more than 13 cm (5 inches) of leaves on the
lawn, mow at a higher cutting height and then again at
the desired cutting height.
•
Slow down your mowing speed if the machine does not
cut the leaves finely enough.
15