Operating Tips - Toro 74635 Operator's Manual

DANGER
Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or
complete grass catcher assembly mounted in
place, you and others are exposed to blade contact
and thrown debris. Contact with rotating mower
blade(s) and thrown debris will cause injury or
death.
• Never remove the grass deflector from the mower
because the grass deflector routes material down
toward the turf. If the grass deflector is ever
damaged, replace it immediately.
• Never put your hands or feet under the mower.
• Never try to clear discharge area or mower
blades unless you move the blade control switch
to Off and rotate the ignition key to Off. Also
remove the key and pull the wire off the spark
plug(s).

Operating Tips

Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the
engine at the Fast 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.
Using the Smart Speed™ Control
System
The Smart Speed™ Control System lever, located below the
operating position, gives the operator a choice to drive the
machine at two speed ranges, high and low. An operator
can benefit from the lower speed setting when maneuvering
the machine in tight spaces or operating around delicate
landscapes. The low setting can also be used to operate the
machine at a high throttle setting and blade speed while still
being able to reduce ground speed to increase quality of cut.
Cutting a Lawn for the First Time
Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that 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.
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.
Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than
normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the
cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at this
setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower, normal
setting.
When Stopping
If the machine's forward motion must be stopped while
mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your
lawn. To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the
blades engaged or you can disengage the mower deck while
moving forward.
Keep the Underside of the Mower Clean
Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower
after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside the mower,
cutting quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.
Blade Maintenance
Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season because
a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or shredding the
grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns grass brown at
the edges, which slows growth and increases the chance of
disease. Check the cutter blades daily for sharpness, and for
any wear or damage. File down any nicks and sharpen the
blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it
immediately with a genuine Toro replacement blade.
23