Transport Operation; Preparing To Mow; Mowing Operation - Toro 04018 Greensmaster Flex 18 Operator's Manual

Starting the Engine
Note: Make sure spark plug wire is installed on spark
plug.
1. Make sure traction and reel drive levers are in
Disengaged position.
Note: Engine will not start if traction lever is in
the engaged position.
2. Open the fuel shut-off valve on the engine.
3. Move the on/off switch to the On position.
4. Move the throttle control to the Fast position.
5. Move the choke lever to the half-open position
when starting a cold engine. The choke may not be
required when starting a warm engine.
6. Pull the recoil starter handle out until positive
engagement results, then pull it vigorously to start
the engine. Open the choke as engine warms up.
Important: Do not pull recoil rope to its limit
or let go of starter handle when rope is pulled
out because rope may break or recoil assembly
may be damaged.
Stopping the Engine
1. Move the traction and reel drive controls to the
Disengaged position, the throttle control to Slow,
and the on/off switch to Off.
2. Pull the molded spark plug wire off of the spark
plug to prevent the possibility of accidental starting
before storing machine.
3. Close the fuel shut-off valve before storing or
transporting mower in a vehicle.

Transport Operation

Note: Do not run the mower engine while transporting
it in a transport trailer because damage can occur to
the mower.
1. Push kick stand down with foot and pull up on
handle support until kick stand has rotated forward,
over center.
2. To release kickstand, pull up on handle and lower
rear of mower onto transport wheels.
3. Ensure traction and reel drive controls are in
Disengage position and start engine.
4. Set throttle control to Slow, tip front of machine up
gradually engage traction drive and slowly increase
engine speed.
5. Adjust throttle to operate mower at desired ground
speed and transport mower to desired destination.

Preparing to Mow

1. Return traction control lever to Disengage, throttle
to Slow and stop engine.
2. Push kick stand down with foot and pull up on
handle support until kick stand has rotated forward,
over center.
3. Remove transport wheels.
4. Release kickstand.

Mowing Operation

Proper use of the machine provides the smoothest turf
cutting available.
Important: Grass clippings act as a lubricant
when mowing. Excessive operation of the cutting
unit with the absence of grass clippings can
damage the cutting unit.
Prior to Mowing
Be sure the mower is carefully adjusted and is set evenly
on both sides of the reel. Improper mower adjustment
is magnified in the appearance of the clipped turf.
Remove all foreign objects from turf prior to mowing.
Make sure everyone, especially children and pets, are
clear of the work area.
Method of Mowing
The greens should be mowed in a straight back and
forth direction across the green. Avoid circular mowing
or turning the mower on greens areas since scuffing may
occur. Turning the mower should be done off the green
by raising the cutting reel (pushing the handle down)
and turning on the traction drum. Mowing should be
done at a normal walking pace. Fast speeds saves very
little time and will result in an inferior mowing job.
To assist in maintaining a straight line across the green
and to keep the machine an equal distance from the
edge of the previous cut, use the alignment stripes on
the basket (Figure 19).
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