Side Discharge; Operating Tips - Toro 74603 Operator's Manual

Figure 17
1. Position for pushing the
machine
To Operate the Machine
Pull each bypass lever up and pull them completely
out. Push the levers down (Figure 17).
Note: The machine will not drive unless the
bypass levers are pulled out.

Side Discharge

The mower has a hinged grass deflector that
disperses clippings to the side and down toward
the turf.
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).
2. Position for operating the
machine

Operating Tips

Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation,
operate the engine at Fast. 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.
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.
Cutting Speed
To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed.
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.
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