Operating Characteristics - Toro Groundsmaster
3500-D Operator's Manual

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 come off of 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 is
dependent on many factors. Among these are:
mowing conditions such as wet of 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
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 which hills or slopes may be safely
operated on, a site survey of the mowing area must
be done. When performing this site survey, always
use common sense and take into consideration the
turf condition and the rollover risk. To determine
which hills or slopes may be safely operated on, use
the inclinometer provided with each machine. To
perform a site survey, lay a 4 ft. 2x4 (1.25 meter
plank) on the slope surface and measure the angle
of the slope. The 2x4 will average the slope but will
not take into consideration dips or holes which can
cause a sudden change in side hill angle. The
maximum side hill angle should not be greater than
25 degrees.
Additionally, the machine is equipped with an
angle indicator mounted on the steering tube. This
indicates the side hill angle the machine is on and
identifies the recommended maximum limit of 25
degrees.
Always wear your seat belt.
Practice operating the machine 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 moving forward and reverse, and starting and
stopping the machine. To stop, take your foot off of the
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 you should shift the sidewinder cutting units
to the uphill side to give you more stability. Conversely,
shifting the cutting units to the down hill side will give
you less stability. This should always be done before
going on a side hill.
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 decks up and
down. Be careful when driving between narrow objects so
you do not damage the machine or cutting units.
On the Sidewinder unit, get a feel for the reach of the
cutting units so you do not hang them up or damage them
in any way.
Do not 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 and the machine is not moving
may cause turf damage.
Always drive slowly in rough areas.
If a person appears in or near the operating area, stop the
machine, and do not start it again until the area is cleared.
The machine is designed for one person. 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 (not knowing
which slopes and hills can be mowed safely), not stopping
the engine before leaving the operator's seat, and drugs
which 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 13 inches
(33 cm) of overhang, allowing you to trim closer to the
edge of sand traps and other obstacles, while at the same
time keeping the tractor tires as far away from the edge of
traps or water hazards as possible.
If an obstacle is in the way, shift the cutting units to easily
mow around it.
When transporting the machine from one work area to
another, raise the cutting units to the fully up position,
move the mow/transport slide to the left to transport, and
place the throttle in the Fast position.
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