Operating Tips - Toro 08753 Operator's Manual

Operating Tips

Read this section before raking a trap. Many
conditions affect the which adjustments are
necessary; the texture and depth of the sand, moisture
content, weeds, the amount of compaction can all
vary from course to course and trap to trap. Make
the adjustments on the broom for optimum results in
your particular area.
Raking Speed
Practice raking in a large and level trap. Practice
starting and stopping, turning, raising and lowering
the broom, and entering and leaving the trap. Practice
operating at a moderate engine speed and a slow
ground speed. If your ground speed is too slow, a
ridge may form in the sand from the gap between the
brushes. If your ground speed is too fast, the brushes
may bounce leaving an undesirable appearance.
Raking Information
If the sand is deep enough, you can rake up to the
edge of the trap in level areas. If the sand feathers
out to the turf, stay far enough away from the edge to
avoid disturbing the underlying soil. Do not rake too
close to a short steep bank; this causes the sand to
flow down into the bottom of the trap. Some touch
up with a hand rake may be necessary on steep
banks, small pockets, etc. When operating the broom
in wet, heavy sand and the desired appearance is
not obtained, optional stiffer bristle brushes may be
obtained. On steeper grades, when additional ground
contact is required, an optional wing weight kit is
available.
Raking Pattern
The recommended pattern for raking a trap is shown
in Figure 16. This pattern avoids unnecessary overlap,
holds compaction to a minimum and leaves a neat,
attractive pattern on the sand. Enter the trap straight
into the long dimension, where the bank is the least
severe. Drive through the center of the trap almost to
the end, turn to either direction as sharp as you can,
and rake back next to the first pass. Spiral outward as
shown in the drawing, and leave the trap at a right
angle in a level area. Leave steep, short banks and
small pockets for touch-up with a hand rake.
1. Enter a trap straight into
the long dimension in a
level area.
Entering and Leaving the Trap
When entering the trap, do not lower the broom
until the broom is actually over the sand. This will
avoid cutting the turf or dragging grass clippings or
other debris into the trap. Lower the broom while
the machine is moving. When leaving the trap, start
raising the broom when the front wheel leaves the
trap. As the machine moves out, the broom will
be lifting and will not drag sand out onto the grass.
Practice this to get the correct timing.
9
Figure 16
2. Exit a trap at a right angle
in a level area.
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