Operating Tips
General Mowing Tips
•
Inspect the area where you will use the machine
and remove all objects that the machine could
throw.
•
Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never
deliberately mow over any object.
•
If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately shut off the engine, wait for all moving
parts to stop, remove the electric-start button (if
equipped), disconnect the wire from the spark
plug, and examine the machine for damage.
•
For best performance, install a new Toro blade
before the cutting season begins or when
necessary.
Cutting Grass
•
Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time.
Do not cut below 51 mm (2 inches) 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,
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, the
machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.
•
Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard
and can cause the machine to plug or the engine
to stall. Avoid mowing in wet conditions.
•
Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry
conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep
the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris.
•
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:
– Replace the blade or have it sharpened.
– 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.
•
If there are more than 13 cm (5 inches) of leaves
on the lawn, mow at a higher cutting height and
then again at the desired cutting height.
•
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, remove the
electric-start button (if equipped), 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
•
Remove the electric-start button (if equipped)
before loading the machine for hauling.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine.
•
Secure the machine from rolling.
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