Operating Tips - Toro 74380 Operator's Manual

6. Install the fasteners into the holes in the top of the
mower to prevent flying debris.
Open holes in the mower expose you and others
to thrown debris which can cause severe injury.
• Never operate the mower without hardware
mounted in all holes in the mower housing.
• Install the hardware in the mounting holes
when you remove the mulching baffle.
7. Install the right mower blade. Refer to the Mower
Maintenance section.
8. 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 Right Baffle 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. Remove the right mower blade. Refer to the Mower
Maintenance section.
4. Slide the right baffle through the discharge opening
and secure it using 2 knobs and curved washers
(cupped side facing the mower) as shown in
Figure 24 and Figure 25.
Important: Ensure that the tab on the far right
side of the right baffle is outside of the mower
and is flush with the mower wall.
5. Install the right mower blade. Refer to the Mower
Maintenance section.

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 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.
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 setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower,
normal setting.
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