Driving The Machine; Stopping The Machine; Mowing In Reverse - Toro 74785 Operator's Manual

Driving the Machine

This machine has the characteristics of both a garden tractor
and a zero-turn machine. Like a garden tractor, the machine
has a foot pedal that controls the forward and reverse motion
along with the speed, and it has a steering wheel that controls
the direction and the turning radius. Like a zero-turn machine,
the rear drive wheels operate independently of each other,
enabling you to make sharp turns and to turn in different
directions quickly. These characteristics vastly improve the
maneuverability of the machine, but they may also require
you to practice driving if you are unfamiliar with this type of
machine.
WARNING
The machine can spin very rapidly. The operator
may lose control of the machine and cause personal
injury or damage to the machine.
• Use caution when making turns.
• Slow the machine down before making sharp
turns.
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured
in rpm (revolutions per minute). Placing the throttle control
in the Fast position can be best for performance. For most
applications, operating in the full-throttle position is desirable.
Driving Forward or Backward
1. Move the throttle to the fast position.
2. Place your foot onto the traction-control pedal and
slowly press the top of the pedal to go forward, or
press on the bottom of the pedal to move backward
(Figure 13).
Note: The farther you move the pedal in either
direction, the faster the machine will move in that
direction.
1. Forward
2. Traction-control pedal
3. To slow down, release the pressure on the
traction-control pedal.
Figure 13
3. Backward

Stopping the Machine

To stop the machine, release the traction-control pedal,
disengage the blade-control switch, ensure the throttle is in
the fast position, set the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to off.
Note: Remember to remove the key from the ignition switch.
WARNING
Children or bystanders may be injured if they
move or attempt to operate the mower while it is
unattended.
Always remove the ignition key and set the parking
brake when leaving the machine unattended, even
if just for a few minutes.

Mowing in Reverse

The machine has an interlock feature that prevents the mower
deck from mowing while the machine is traveling in reverse.
If you shift into reverse with the PTO engaged, the PTO
will stop. If you need to mow while in reverse gear, you can
temporarily deactivate this interlock.
Note: Do not mow while backing up unless it is absolutely
necessary.
DANGER
A child or bystander could be backed over by a
riding mower with blades engaged and cause
serious personal injury or death.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary.
• Always look backward and down before backing
up.
• Use the KeyChoice switch only if you are certain
no children or other bystanders will appear in
the mowing area.
• Always remove both the ignition and KeyChoice
keys and put them in a safe place out of the
reach of children or unauthorized users when
leaving the unit unattended.
If you are certain that you can safely mow or operate an
attachment in reverse, complete the following procedure:
1. Insert the KeyChoice key into the KeyChoice switch
(Figure 6).
2. Engage the PTO.
3. Turn the KeyChoice key clockwise until it stops and
release it.
Note: A red light illuminates on the console to serve
as a reminder that the interlock has been deactivated.
4. Perform the mowing.
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