Toro 04018 Greensmaster Flex 18 Operator's Manual

Starting the EngineNote: Make sure spark plug wire is installed on sparkplug.1. Make sure traction and reel drive levers are inDisengaged position.Note: Engine will not start if traction lever is inthe engaged position.2. Open the fuel shut-off valve on the engine.3. Move the on/off switch to the On position.4. Move the throttle control to the Fast position.5. Move the choke lever to the half-open positionwhen starting a cold engine. The choke may not berequired when starting a warm engine.6. Pull the recoil starter handle out until positiveengagement results, then pull it vigorously to startthe engine. Open the choke as engine warms up.Important: Do not pull recoil rope to its limitor let go of starter handle when rope is pulledout because rope may break or recoil assemblymay be damaged.Stopping the Engine1. Move the traction and reel drive controls to theDisengaged position, the throttle control to Slow,and the on/off switch to Off.2. Pull the molded spark plug wire off of the sparkplug to prevent the possibility of accidental startingbefore storing machine.3. Close the fuel shut-off valve before storing ortransporting mower in a vehicle.Transport OperationNote: Do not run the mower engine while transportingit in a transport trailer because damage can occur tothe mower.1. Push kick stand down with foot and pull up onhandle support until kick stand has rotated forward,over center.2. To release kickstand, pull up on handle and lowerrear of mower onto transport wheels.3. Ensure traction and reel drive controls are inDisengage position and start engine.4. Set throttle control to Slow, tip front of machine upgradually engage traction drive and slowly increaseengine speed.5. Adjust throttle to operate mower at desired groundspeed and transport mower to desired destination.Preparing to Mow1. Return traction control lever to Disengage, throttleto Slow and stop engine.2. Push kick stand down with foot and pull up onhandle support until kick stand has rotated forward,over center.3. Remove transport wheels.4. Release kickstand.Mowing OperationProper use of the machine provides the smoothest turfcutting available.Important: Grass clippings act as a lubricantwhen mowing. Excessive operation of the cuttingunit with the absence of grass clippings candamage the cutting unit.Prior to MowingBe sure the mower is carefully adjusted and is set evenlyon both sides of the reel. Improper mower adjustmentis magnified in the appearance of the clipped turf.Remove all foreign objects from turf prior to mowing.Make sure everyone, especially children and pets, areclear of the work area.Method of MowingThe greens should be mowed in a straight back andforth direction across the green. Avoid circular mowingor turning the mower on greens areas since scuffing mayoccur. Turning the mower should be done off the greenby raising the cutting reel (pushing the handle down)and turning on the traction drum. Mowing should bedone at a normal walking pace. Fast speeds saves verylittle time and will result in an inferior mowing job.To assist in maintaining a straight line across the greenand to keep the machine an equal distance from theedge of the previous cut, use the alignment stripes onthe basket (Figure 19).18