Toro TurfMaster HDX, Operator'S Manual

Page: 19 / 40

Operating Tips
General Tips
•
Review the safety instructions and read this
manual carefully before operating the machine.
•
Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches,
and other debris that the blades could hit and
throw.
•
Keep everyone, especially children and pets, away
from the area of operation.
•
Avoid striking trees, walls, curbs, or other solid
objects. Never deliberately mow over any object.
•
If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately shut off the engine, disconnect
the wire from the spark plug, and examine the
machine for damage.
•
Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting
season. Periodically file down nicks on the blades.
•
Replace the blades when necessary with original
Toro replacement blades.
•
Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and
leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause
the machine to plug or the engine to stall.
•
Clean the underside of the machine deck after
each mowing. Refer to
Cleaning under the
Machine (page 19) .
•
Keep the engine in good running condition.
•
Set the engine speed to the fastest position for the
best cutting results.
•
Clean the air filter frequently. Mulching stirs up
more clippings and dust which clogs the air filter
and reduces engine performance.
Cutting Grass
•
Grass grows at different rates at different times
of the year. In the summer heat, it is best to cut
grass at the 51 mm (2 inch), 64 mm (2-1/2 inch),
or 83 mm (3 inch) cutting-height settings. Cut only
about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not
cut below the 51 mm (2 inch) setting unless the
grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth
begins to slow down.
•
When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 inches) tall, first
mow at the highest cutting-height setting and walk
slower; then mow again at a lower setting for the
best lawn appearance. If the grass is too long and
the leaves clump on top of the lawn, the machine
may plug and cause the engine to stall.
•
Alternate the mowing direction. This helps
disperse the clippings over the lawn for even
fertilization.
If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1
or more of the following:
•
Sharpen the blades.
•
Walk at a slower pace while mowing.
•
Raise the cutting height on your machine.
•
Cut the grass more frequently.
•
Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full
swath with each pass.
Cutting Leaves
•
After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn
shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need
to make more than a single pass over the leaves.
•
For light leaf coverage, set all the wheels at the
same cutting-height setting.
•
Slow down your mowing speed if the machine
does not cut the leaves finely enough.
After Operation
After Operation Safety
General Safety
•
Always shut off the machine, wait for all moving
parts to stop, and allow the machine to cool before
adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing it.
•
Clean grass and debris from the machine to help
prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or on other appliances.
Hauling Safety
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine.
•
Secure the machine from rolling.
Cleaning under the Machine
For optimal cutting performance, keep the underside
of the machine housing clean. You may either wash
or scrape the clippings away from under the machine
housing.
Washing under the Machine
Service Interval: Before each use or daily—Clean
under the machine housing.
1. Position the machine on a flat concrete or
asphalt surface near a garden hose.
2. Start the engine.
19