Operating - Toro GREENSMASTER 3100 Operator's Manual

Operating

BEFORE MOWING
Inspect the green for debris, remove the flag from the cup,
and determine the best direction in which to mow.
Always mow in an alternate pattern from the previous
mowing, so that the grass blades will be less apt to lay
down and become difficult to cut.
MOWING PROCEDURES
1. Approach the green with the shift selector in the
number 1 position. Start on one edge of the green so
the ribbon procedure of cutting may be used. This
holds compaction to a minimum and leaves a neat,
attractive pattern on the greens.
IMPORTANT: Shift to the No. 1 position when
approaching a green because machine speed will
automatically be reduced when the cutting units are
engaged. Higher speed will resume when the cutting
units are disengaged.
2. Actuate the mow pedal as the front edge of the grass
baskets cross the outer edge of the green. This pro-
cedure drops the cutting units to the turf and starts
the reels.
NOTE: The No. 1 (rear) cutting unit reel will not
start until all the cutting units are on the ground and
No. 2 and No. 3 cutting units are cutting.
IMPORTANT Remember that the No. 1 cutting
unit reel is delayed and therefore, you should
practice to gain the timing necessary to minimize
the clean-up mowing operation.
3. Overlap a minimal amount with the previous cut on
return passes. To maintain a straight line across the
green and keep the machine an equal distance from
the edge of the previous cut, establish an imaginary
sight line 2 to 3 meters ahead of the machine to the
edge of the uncut portion of the green (Fig. 13 & 14).
Some people find it useful to include the outer edge
of the steering wheel as part of the sight line; i.e.,
keep the steering wheel edge aligned with a point
that is always kept the same distance away from the
front of the machine (Fig. 13 & 14).
4. As the front of the baskets cross the edge of the
green, depress the lift pedal. This will stop the reels
and lift the cutting units. Timing of this procedure is
important, so the mowers do not cut into the fringe
area. However, as much of the green as possible
should be cut to minimize the amount of grass left
to mow around the outer periphery.
5. Cut down on operating time and ease line-up for the
next pass by momentarily turning the machine in
the opposite direction, then turning in the direction
of the uncut portion; i.e., if intending to turn right,
first swing slightly left, then right. This will help
get the machine more quickly aligned for the next
pass. Follow the same procedure for turning in the
opposite direction. It's good practice to try to make
as short a turn as possible. However, turn in a
wider arc during warmer weather to avoid bruising
the turf.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the power steering sys-
tem, the steering wheel will not return to its original
position after a turn has been completed.
IMPORTANT: Never stop on a green with the
cutting unit reels operating because you may
damage the turf. Stopping on a wet green with
the Greens–master 3100 may leave marks or
indentations from the wheels.
6. If the leak detector alarm sounds while cutting on a
green, immediately raise the cutting units, drive
directly off the green and stop the machine in a area
away from the green. Find out what caused the
alarm and correct the problem.
IMPORTANT: Prolonged idling of the machine
after heavy use may cause a false alarm in the
leak detector system, due to oil contraction as it
cools. If this occurs, turn the engine off for a
minute while the main hydraulic tank is refilled
from the auxiliary tank.
7. Finish cutting the green by mowing the outer
periphery. Be sure to change the direction of cut-
ting from the previous mowing. Always keep
weather and turf conditions in mind and be sure to
change the direction of mowing from the previous
cutting. Replace the flag.
8. Empty the grass baskets of all clippings before
transporting to the next green. Heavy wet clippings
place an undue strain on the baskets and will add
unnecessary weight to the machine, thereby increas-
ing the load on the engine, hydraulic system,
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