Operating Tips - Toro 30868 Operator's Manual

Important
Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes before
shutting it off after a full load operation. Failure to do so
may lead to turbo–charger trouble.
Before stopping the engine, disengage all controls and
move the throttle to Slow. Moving the throttle to Slow
reduces high engine RPM, noise, and vibration. Turn the
key to Off to stop the engine.

Operating Tips

Mow When Grass is Dry
Mow either in the late morning to avoid the dew, which
causes grass clumping, or in late afternoon to avoid the
damage that can be caused by direct sunlight on the
sensitive, freshly mowed grass.
Select the Proper Height-of-Cut Setting to
Suit Conditions
Remove approximately 1 in. (25 mm) or no more than 1/3
of the grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally lush and
dense grass, you may have to raise the height-of-cut to the
next setting.
Mow at Proper Intervals
Under most normal conditions you will need to mow
approximately every 4–5 days. But remember, grass grows
at different rates at different times. This means that in order
to maintain the same height-of-cut, which is a good
practice, you will need to cut more frequently in early
spring; as the grass growth rate slows in mid summer, cut
only every 8–10 days. If you are unable to mow for an
extended period due to weather conditions or other reasons,
mow first with the height-of-cut at a high level; then mow
again 2–3 days later with a lower height setting.
Blade Selection
Standard Angled Sail
The blade generally performs best in lower heights of cut
(3/4 to 2–1/2 inch). The optional high lift parallel sail blade
performs better in the higher heights of cut (2 to 4 inch).
Attributes:
Discharge remains more even at lower heights of
cut.
Discharge has less tendency to throw left and thus a
cleaner look around bunkers and fairways.
Lower power requirement at lower heights and
dense turf.
High Lift Parallel Sail
The blade generally performs better in the higher heights of
cut (2 to 4 inch).
Attributes:
More lift and higher discharge velocity.
Sparse or limp turf is picked up significantly at
higher heights of cut.
Wet or sticky clippings are discharged more
efficiently reducing congestion in deck.
Requires more horsepower to run.
Tends to discharge further left and can tend to
windrow at lower heights of cut.
Warning
Do not use the high lift blade with the mulching
baffle. The blade could break, resulting in personal
injury or death.
Always Mow with Sharp Blades
A sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing or shredding
the grass blades like a dull blade. Tearing and shredding
causes the grass to turn brown at the edges which impairs
growth and increases susceptibility to diseases.
Transporting
Use the transport latches when transporting over long
distances, rough terrain, or when trailering.
After Operating
To ensure optimum performance, clean the underside of the
mower housing after each use. If residue is allowed to build
up in the mower housing, cutting performance will
decrease.
Note: Lower cutting units to the ground whenever machine
is parked. This relieves the hydraulic load from the system,
prevents wear on system parts and also prevents accidental
lowering of the cutting units.
Cutting Unit Pitch
We recommend a blade pitch of 5/16 in. (7.9 mm). A pitch
larger than 5/16 in. (7.9 mm) will result in less power
required, larger clippings, and a poorer quality of cut. A
pitch less than 5/16 in. (7.9 mm) will result in more power
required, smaller clippings and a better quality of cut.
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