Operating Tips - Toro 74388 Operator's Manual

1. Grass deflector
2. Discharge cover
3. Lower lip
4. Remove the hinge pin securing the cover to the deck
(Figure 24).
5. Lift the cover out and away from the deck.
6. Lower the grass deflector over the discharge opening.
Important: Ensure the mower has a hinged grass
deflector that disperses clippings to the side and
down toward the turf, while in side discharge
mode.
Installing the Discharge Cover for
Mulching
1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the
blade control switch.
2. Move the motion control levers outward to park
position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for
all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
3. Lift the grass deflector and place the discharge cover
over the opening onto the lower lip of the mower and
slide it into the front hinge (Figure 24).
4. Slide the hinge pin through the hinge (Figure 24).
5. Secure the discharge cover to the mower with the wing
nut (Figure 24).
6. Lower the grass deflector over the discharge opening.

Operating Tips

Fast Throttle Setting
For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the
engine at the Fast position. Air is required to thoroughly cut
Figure 24
4. Hinge pin
5. Wing nut
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.
Using the Smart Speed™ Control
System
The Smart Speed™ Control System lever, located below the
operating position, gives the operator a choice to drive the
machine at two speed ranges, high and low. An operator
can benefit from the lower speed setting when maneuvering
the machine in tight spaces or operating around delicate
landscapes. The low setting can also be used to operate the
machine at a high throttle setting and blade speed while still
being able to reduce ground speed to increase quality of cut.
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.
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.
Long Grass
If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than
normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the
cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at this
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