Operating Characteristics - Toro REELMASTER 3100-D Operator's Manual

Operating Instructions

OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS

DANGER
The mower has a unique traction system that will allow
the machine to move forward on side hills, even if the
uphill wheel should rise off the ground. If this should
happen, the operator or any bystanders can be seriously
injured or killed in a rollover.
The slope angle at which the machine will tip depends
on many factors including mowing conditions such as
wet or undulating turf, speed (especially in turns),
position of the cutting units (with Sidewinder), tire
pressure and operator experience.
At side hill angles of 20 degrees or less, the risk of a
rollover is low. As the slope angle increases to a Toro-
recommended maximum limit of 25 degrees the risk of
a rollover increases to a moderate level. DO NOT
EXCEED A 25-DEGREE SIDE HILL SLOPE ANGLE
BECAUSE THE RISK OF A ROLLOVER AND
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IS VERY HIGH.
To determine on which hills or slopes you may safely
operate, a site survey of the mowing area must be
done. When performing this site survey always take
into consideration the turf condition and the rollover
risk. Use the inclinometer provided with each machine.
To perform a site survey, lay a 1.5-meter board on the
slope surface and measure the angle of the slope. The
board will average the slope but will not take into
consideration dips or holes. THE MAXIMUM SIDE
HILL ANGLE SHOULD NOT BE GREATER THAN
25 DEGREES.
Practice operating the Reelmaster and become
thoroughly familiar with it.
Start the engine and run it at half idle until it warms up.
Push the throttle lever all the way forward, lift the
cutting units, disengage the parking brake, press the
forward-traction pedal and carefully drive to an open
area.
Practice going both forward and in reverse, starting and
stopping the machine. To stop, take your foot off the
18
traction pedal and let it return to neutral or press down
on the reverse pedal to stop. Going down a hill, you may
need to use the reverse pedal to stop.
When driving on slopes, drive slowly to maintain
steering control and avoid turns to prevent rollovers. In
side hill situations, shift the sidewinder cutting units to
the up-hill side for more stability. Always do this before
going on a side hill. Conversely, shifting the cutting units
to the down-hill side results in less stability. .
When possible, mow up and down hills rather than
across them. Have the cutting units lowered when going
down a hill to maintain steering control. Do not attempt
to turn on a hill.
Practice driving around obstacles with the reels up and
down. Be careful when driving between narrow objects
so that you don't damage the machine or cutting units.
On the Sidewinder unit, develop an understanding for
the reach of the cutting units so that you don't hang them
up or damage them in any way.
Don't shift the units from side to side unless the cutting
units are down and the machine is moving, or the cutting
units are up in the transport position. Shifting the cutting
units when they are down while not moving may cause
turf damage.
The Reelmaster is a precision mowing machine so
always drive it slowly in rough areas.
If a person enters or near the operating area, stop the
machine, and don't start it up again until the area is
cleared. The Reelmaster is a one-person machine. Never
let anyone else ride on the machine with you. This is
extremely dangerous and could result in serious injury.
Accidents can happen to anyone. The most common
causes are excessive speed, sudden turns, terrain (with
the Reelmaster 3100-D that's knowing which slopes and
hills can be mowed safely), not stopping the engine
before leaving the operator's seat, and using drugs that
impair your alertness. Cold capsules or prescription
drugs may cause drowsiness, as can alcohol and other
drugs. Stay alert and stay safe. Failure to do so could
result in serious injury.
The Sidewinder offers up to a maximum of 58 cm of