Toro 30809 Groundsmaster 3500-G Operator's Manual page 29

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As soon as the front cutting units reach the edge of
the mowing area, lift the cutting units and perform a
teardrop-shaped turn to quickly line you up for your next
pass.
•
To mow around bunkers, ponds, or other contours
easily, use the Sidewinder and move the control lever left
or right, depending on your mowing application. The
cutting units can also be shifted to vary tire tracking.
•
The cutting units tend to throw grass to the left side
of the machine. If trimming around bunkers, it is best
to mow in a clockwise direction to prevent throwing
clippings into the bunker.
•
The cutting units can be equipped with bolt-in mulching
baffles. The mulching baffles perform well when turf is
maintained on a regular schedule to avoid removing more
than 25 mm (1 inch) of growth per cutting. When too
much growth is cut with the mulching baffles installed,
aftercut appearance may deteriorate and the observed
power to cut the turf increases. The mulching baffles also
perform well for shredding leaves in the fall.
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 cut grass.
Select the Proper Height of Cut Setting
to Suit Conditions
Remove approximately 25 mm (1 inch) or no more than 1/3
of the grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally lush and
dense grass, you may have to raise your height of cut setting
to a higher setting.
Always Start Mowing 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. Make sure that
the blade is in good condition and a full sail is present.
Check Condition of Cutting Unit
Make sure that cutting chambers are in good condition.
Straighten any bends in chamber components to ensure
correct blade tip/chamber clearance.
After Mowing
At the completion of mowing operation, thoroughly wash the
machine with a garden hose without a nozzle so that excessive
water pressure will not contaminate and damage the seals
and bearings. Make sure that the radiator and oil cooler are
kept free of dirt or grass clippings. After cleaning, inspect the
machine for possible hydraulic-fluid leaks, damage, or wear
to the hydraulic and mechanical components, and check the
cutting-unit blades for sharpness.
Important: After washing the machine, move the
Sidewinder mechanism from left to right several times to
remove water between the bearing blocks and cross tube.
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