Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D Operator's Manual

Also see for 30839: Operator's manual Service manual Operator's manual Operator's manual Operator's manual

Understanding CounterbalanceThe counterbalance system maintains hydraulicback pressure on the deck-lift cylinders. Thiscounterbalance pressure transfers mower deck weightto the mower drive wheels to improve traction. Thecounterbalance pressure has been set at the factoryto an optimal balance of after-cut appearance andtraction capability in most turf conditions. Decreasingthe counterbalance setting can produce a morestable mower deck, but can decrease the tractioncapability. Increasing the counterbalance setting canincrease the traction capability, but may result ina poor after-cut appearance. Refer to the ServiceManual for your traction unit for instructions to adjustthe counterbalance pressure.Resolving After-Cut AppearanceReference the After-cut Appearance TroubleshootingGuide available at www.Toro.com.Using Proper Mowing Techniques• To begin cutting, engage the cutting units, thenapproach the mowing area slowly. Once the frontcutting units are over the mowing area, lower thecutting units.• To achieve the professional straight-line cut andstriping that is desirable for some applications, finda tree or other object in the distance and drivestraight toward it.• As soon as the front cutting units reach the edge ofthe mowing area, lift the cutting units, and performa tear-drop-shaped turn to quickly line up for yournext pass.• To mow around bunkers, ponds, or other contourseasily, use the Sidewinder unit and move thecontrol lever to the left or right, depending on yourmowing application. You can also shift the cuttingunits to vary the tire tracking.• The cutting units tend to throw grass to the leftside of the machine. If you are trimming aroundbunkers, it is best to mow in a clockwise directionto prevent throwing clippings into the bunker.• Bolt-in mulching baffles are available for thecutting units. The mulching baffles perform wellwhen you maintain turf on a regular scheduleto avoid removing more than 25 mm (1 inch) ofgrowth per cutting. When you cut too much growthwith the mulching baffles installed, the after-cutappearance may deteriorate and the observedpower to cut the turf increases. The mulchingbaffles also perform well for shredding leaves inthe fall.Mowing When the Grass Is DryMow either in the late morning to avoid the dew, whichcauses grass clumping, or late afternoon to avoidthe damage that direct sunlight can cause on thesensitive, freshly mowed grass.Selecting the Proper Height-of-CutSetting to Suit ConditionsRemove approximately 25 mm (1 inch), or nomore than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. Inexceptionally lush and dense grass, you may need toraise your height-of-cut setting.Mowing with Sharp BladesA sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing orshredding the grass blades like a dull blade. Tearingand shredding causes the grass to turn brown atthe edges, which impairs growth and increasessusceptibility to diseases. Ensure that the blade is ingood condition and that there is a full sail.Checking the Condition of theMower DeckEnsure that the cutting chambers are in goodcondition. Straighten any bends in the chambercomponents to ensure correct blade tip/chamberclearance.Maintaining the Machine AfterMowingAfter mowing, thoroughly wash the machine with agarden hose with no nozzle to avoid contaminationand damage to the seals and bearings causedby excessive water pressure. Ensure that theradiator and oil cooler are kept free of dirt or grassclippings. After cleaning, inspect the machine forpossible hydraulic-fluid leaks, damage, or wear to thehydraulic and mechanical components, and check thecutting-unit blades for sharpness.Important: After washing the machine, move theSidewinder mechanism from left to right severaltimes to remove the water between the bearingblocks and cross tube.31