Toro 20351 Quality Guide - Page 10

Elements of Great Quality of Cut 11. Check the transmission fluid level. (See owner's manual; some models have a sealed transmission.) 12. Check the tire pressure, where applicable. Note: Some models require installing the mower attachment. If the mower is factory-installed, check the blade pitch and deck level. These two factors are critical to a great quality of cut. Operator Instruction Even experienced operators should review the operation instructions for an unfamiliar machine. Every operator's manual contains safety and operation information the operator should review before operating the mower. Refer the operator to the operator's manual for details on operating the mower safely and effectively. Mower Preparation When reviewing mower operation procedures with an operator, do the following: • Identify the location of the air filter and explain how to check it. • Describe how often the blade should be checked and sharpened. Explain that tipping a walk behind mower the wrong way to check the blade could cause gasoline to spill or oil to soak the air filter. • For a mower with a 4 cycle engine, explain how often the oil should be checked and what type of oil should be used. For a mower with a 2 cycle engine, explain the method for mixing fuel and oil properly. Remind the operator that the instructions for either of these procedures are in the operator's manual. • Identify the machine's safety features and explain how they work and how to use them. Remind the operator that safety instructions are in the operator's manual. • Demonstrate for the operator the sound of the engine operating under a normal load and then operating in an overloaded condition in which it is starting to bog down. • Show the operator how to clean clippings out of the cutting chamber. Explain that this is important because clippings can harden and stick to the cutting chamber. Clippings adhering to the cutting deck change the airflow under the cutting deck and affect the quality of cut. They also generally bond to the deck paint and cannot be removed without also removing the paint. Lawn Preparation Explain to the operator that the operator's manual contains information for proper lawn preparation. Remind the operator of the following: • The grass must be dry. Cut late in the day, after the sun has had a chance to dry the grass. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade. Safety Explain to the operator that the operator's manual contains safety information about the mower, lawn preparation, operator dress and condition, and mowing procedures. When followed, this safety information contributes to a great quality of cut by ensuring that the operator and bystanders are safe, the mower operates properly, and the lawn is not damaged during mowing. The operator should be completely familiar with all aspects of operating the mower safely. 2 - 2 Service Dealer's Guide to Great Quality of Cut