Operating Tips - Toro 30412 Groundsmaster 4000-D Operator's Manual

speed, load on the cutting blades or other implement
components, and the importance of the brakes.
To maintain enough power for the traction unit and
implement while operating, regulate the traction pedal
to keep the engine speed high and somewhat constant.
A good rule to follow is to decrease the ground speed
as the load on the implement increases, and increase the
ground speed as the load decreases.
Therefore, allow the traction pedal to move backward
as the engine speed decreases, and depress the pedal
slowly as the speed increases. By comparison, when
driving from one work area to another, with no load
and cutting unit raised, have the throttle in the Fast
position and depress the traction pedal slowly but fully
to attain maximum ground speed.
The flow divider enhances traction drive performance
in compromised operating conditions. The flow divider
is for use in low speed range only. When approaching
an area known to cause wheel spin, depress and hold
flow divider switch until completely past the area. If
a tire spins while climbing or maneuvering on slopes,
depress switch and slowly drive out of area. If both
a front and rear wheel spins, the steering brake can
be feathered to transfer the torque from the spinning
wheels to the opposite front wheel.
The brakes can be used to assist in turning the machine.
However, use them carefully, especially on soft or
wet grass because the turf may be torn accidentally.
Another benefit of the brakes is to maintain traction.
For example, in some slope conditions, the uphill wheel
slips and loses traction. If this situation occurs, depress
the uphill turn pedal gradually and intermittently until
the uphill wheel stops slipping, thus, increasing traction
on the downhill wheel.
Use extra care when operating the machine on slopes.
Make sure that the seat latch is properly secured and the
seat belt is buckled. Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns
on slopes to prevent roll overs. For steering control, the
cutting unit must be lowered when going downhill.
This cutting units are designed to drive objects
into the ground where they lose energy quickly
in grass areas. However, careless operation,
combined with terrain angle, ricochets, or
improperly positioned safety guard can lead to
thrown object injuries.
• When a person or pet appears suddenly in or
near the mowing area, stop mowing .
• Do not resume mowing until the area is
cleared.
Before stopping the engine, disengage all controls and
move the throttle to Slow. Moving the throttle to Slow
reduces high engine speed, noise, and vibration. Turn
the key to Off to stop the engine.
Before transporting the machine, raise the cutting units
and secure the transport latches (Figure 31).
1. Transport latch (side cutting units)

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 inch (25 mm) or no more than
1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally
30
Figure 31