Topdresser 2500

Perform the following checks daily:

• Checking the Hydraulic Fluid Level

• Checking the Tire Air Pressure

• Checking the Hydraulic Lines and Hoses

Important: Always read and understand the operator's manual for the traction before using the machine.

1. Start the traction unit; refer to the traction unit operator’s manual.

2. Before adding material into hopper, drive the traction unit and topdresser to check that the belt moves smoothly.

   Note: When operating the machine in cold weather; refer to Preparing for Cold Weather Operation.

3. Load sand or other topdressing material into the hopper; refer to Loading the Hopper.

   Important: Overloading the hopper may result in tire side-wall deflection and marking the green on first few passes. Check the air pressure of all tires; refer to Checking the Tire Air Pressure

4. Transport the machine to the area to be top-dressed.

5. Adjust the metering gate to the desired application rate, and lock the gate into position with the gate-lock knob.

   When applying sand, refer to the Sand Application Rate for additional information.

6. For best results, shift traction unit to the LOW range position. Drive the traction unit forward at the desired ground speed.

7. Press hand control switch to start or stop the flow of material from topdresser.

• The maximum material volume of the hopper is 0.7 m³ (25 ft³).

• Generally, dry sand weighs 1602 kg/m³ (100 lb/ft³) and wet sand weighs 1922 to 2082 kg/m³ (120 to 130 lb/ft³). You will overload the machine if more than 930 kg (2050 lb) of sand is loaded into the hopper.

• Position the weight of the load evenly from front to rear and evenly from side to side.

• Transporting or topdressing with a full load can cause shifting of the sand. This shifting happens most often while turning, going up or down hills, suddenly changing speeds or while driving over rough surfaces. Shifting loads can lead to tip-overs. Use caution when transporting or topdressing with a full load.

• Heavy loads increase stopping distance and reduce your ability to turn quickly without tipping over.

The rate of sand applied depends on the gate setting. Sand varies in moisture and coarseness (size of grain), which effects the application rate. These factors must be taken into consideration when deciding the amount of sand required for the application. Test a small area to decide the correct amount. To increase application rate open gate to a higher scale mark.

The machine is ground driven which assures consistent application, from green to green, when towing the machine at 3.2 to 13 kph (2 to 8 mph).

The machine is equipped with a flexible gate edge (Figure 12) and a spring release mechanism to reduce the chance of sand chunks or rocks getting lodged during operation. To ensure long belt life, sift or check the sand for rocks with sharp edges that may damage conveyor belt.

Figure 12

1. Gate edge

Although limited by the traction of the drive tires, you may use the machine in cold weather. With certain limitations, you may use the machine to apply a salt/sand mixture on pavement for ice control. The PVC conveyor belt material becomes very stiff in cold weather and requires more power to operate belt. The life of the belt is reduced by approximately 50% when operated below temperatures of 40 degrees F. (5 degrees C.).

Important: Do not operate the topdresser during temperatures of -7° C (20° F) or lower.

1. Increase the belt tension by adjusting spring compression to 4 inches (101 mm); refer to Tensioning the Conveyor-Belt Chain.

2. Run belt before loading the hopper with material to assure that belt system moves freely.

   Important: If belt/drive roller slip, damage to belt or roller may occur.

Important: Before operating the machine during warm weather, adjust the belt tension to 4-7/16 inches (112 mm) spring compression.

• The topdresser material application system is ground driven, so you need to tow the machine to check the operation of the belt and brush.

• Top dressing works best when towing the machine 3.2 to 13 kph (2 to 8 mph). The machine compensates for variations in travel speed, and will give consistent distribution, even if your travel speed changes during a pass across the green. The operator/superintendent should make the gate setting selection (variable in 1/8 increments to 13) and make a first pass to determine if application rate is acceptable.

  When applying sand, refer to the Sand Application Rate for additional information.

• After the machine is moving, operation begins when the hand control switch is activated. It may require practice to start and stop the flow of material at the desired area of a green or tee box.

• Before loading hopper, make sure that the topdresser is properly connected to tow vehicle, to prevent flip-up or any unintended tongue movement. Do not disconnect the topdresser from tow vehicle while material is in the hopper. The tongue may flip up causing injury.

• The topdresser is wider than most traction units. Before traveling through a narrow area such as a gate, door entry, etc., check width of the opening before proceeding, and allow clearance to turn the machine.

• The top dresser adds extra towing weight to the traction unit. Drive it safely.

  • Do not drive on the highway or a public road.

  • Always slow the traction unit when approaching and while making a turn.

  • Always slow the traction unit when driving in an unfamiliar area or over rough terrain.

  • Always slow the traction unit when changing direction of travel or when preparing to stop.

  • When turning or driving the machine on a slope, always slow the traction unit, then turn the machine to prevent losing control and possible rollover.

  • Do not make sudden or sharp turns. Do not suddenly change direction of travel on an incline, ramp, grade, slope, or similar surface.

  • Always adjust the traction unit speed to allow for existing ground conditions such as wet or slick surfaces, loose sand or gravel, low-visibility conditions such as dim or bright lighting, fog, mist, or rain.

  • Be especially careful when driving a heavily loaded vehicle down an incline or slope. Drive the vehicle up and down the face of the slopes, inclines, or grades whenever possible. Do not drive across the face of a slope if possible. There is a risk of overturning the machine, which can result in serious injury or death.

  Warning

  Tipping or rolling the tow vehicle on a hill will cause serious injury.

  • If engine stalls or you lose headway on a hill, never attempt to turn tow vehicle around.

  • Always back straight down a hill in reverse gear.

  • Do not back down in neutral or with the clutch depressed, using only the brakes.

  • Do not add sideboards or panels to the top of the hopper to increase the load capacity. The additional weight will cause tipping or rolling of the tow vehicle and lead to serious injury.

  • Do not drive across a hill, always drive straight up or down. Avoid turning on a hill. Do not "drop the clutch" or slam on the brakes. Sudden speed change can initiate a tip-over.

• In tight areas, where a straight line pass across a green is not possible, you can back the machine into the area without harm and begin topdressing when pulling forward.

• Before backing up, look to the rear and assure that no one is behind. Back up slowly and watch the machine closely.

• Use extreme caution and slow speed when backing up the machine and traction unit.

• The maximum recommended towing speed of the machine is 24 kph (15 mph) when empty and 13 kph (8 mph) when loaded. As with any trailer, always use caution when turning or backing up. Be aware of persons or objects near the topdresser path of travel.

• Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roads. Always yield the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles.

• If the top dresser begins to vibrate abnormally, stop the traction unit, engage the parking brake, shut off engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Repair any wear or damage before towing the machine.

• If you hear cavitation noise while transporting the machine across the golf course, slow down, return to maintenance, and investigate the cause. Do not exceed the 13 kph (8 mph) tow speed. This machine was not designed for travel on highways. Towing the machine faster than 24 kph (15 mph) will damage the internal hydraulic components.

• Before servicing or making any adjustments to the top dresser:

  • Stop the traction unit and set the parking brake.

  • Shut off the engine, remove key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s seat.

• Keep all hardware tight secure. Install all serviceable parts removed during maintenance or adjustments.

• When loading the top-dressing material into the hopper, be careful that the loader or skid steer bucket does not strike and damage the hopper. Although the hopper is designed wide enough to clear most buckets, it is not strong enough to take a contact and may deform the sheet metal.

• Material application is always best with dry material, but wet sand can be spread with the machine. You may need to adjust the gate setting, but the material should flow out and spread relatively smooth and consistent. If the belt slips, check the belt tension and clean-out provisions.

• Top-dressing material can vary in grain size as well as moisture content. It can also contain impurities that may either damage greens mowers or plant tissue. Always control the source of top-dressing material, and use care when handling and loading it.

• A sight window is provided at the right front hopper panel to monitor remaining material while topdressing. It is a good practice to check the sight window and for hopper volume before beginning application to assure that you do not run out of top-dressing material in the middle of the pass.

• The special oscillating drive axles on the machine are designed to continuously power the hydraulic system while the machine travels over surface irregularities of a green or tee. Always approach a severe berm slowly to avoid sudden impact of the axles with the turf, and to reduce the potential of leaving tire marks on the approach to the green.

  Warning

  Rotating parts of the machine can grab or pinch you.

  Stay clear of brush and conveyor belt while unit is running.

• Safe operation begins before taking the top dresser out for a day's work. Read and understand the operating instructions in the Toro Workman or other traction unit operator's manual before using the topdresser.

1. Shut off the hand-control switch for the topdresser.

2. Move the machine to a level surface.

3. Set the parking brake of the traction unit, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s seat.

1. Empty the hopper.

2. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

3. Use the skids as the jacking points.

   

   Figure 13

   1. Skid (4)

4. Support the machine with jack stands.

5. When working on the wheels, pivot them up or down to expose wheel bolts.

   Important: If you remove the wheels and installed them, torque wheel bolts as specified in Torqueing the Wheel Bolts. Incorrect bolt torque could result in failure or loss of the wheel.

No. 2 Lithium based grease

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Lubricant each of the grease fitting described in the grease-fitting table with the specified grease.

Grease-Fitting Table

Important: Lubricate the bearings to maintain a slight leakage between bearings and housings. Too much grease can cause overheating or damage to seals.

Figure 14

Figure 15

Note: We do not recommend lubricating the drive chains unless they become stiff from rust. If the chain rusts, lightly lubricate it with a dry-type lubricant. This reduces the likelihood of sand build-up or other top-dressing material adhering to the chain.

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Check the tire air pressure.

   You should measure 138 to 207 kPa (20 to 30 psi) air pressure.

3. If the tire air pressure is too low or too high, add air to or remove air from the tires until you measure 138 to 207 kPa (20 to 30 psi).

Important: Failure to maintain proper torque could result in failure or loss of wheel.

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Torque 20 wheel bolts to 109 to 122 N∙m(80-90 ft-lb).

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Loosen carriage bolts and nuts that secure the hydraulic motor/pump to axle cradle (Figure 16).

   

   Figure 16

   1. Hydraulic motor
   2. Axle cradle cut-out

3. Rotate motor sprocket assembly (Figure 16) until the wheel-drive chain deflects 3.2 mm (1/8 inch).

   Note: Access to chain is through cutout in lower side of axle cradle.

   Important: Do not over tension the chain or it will wear prematurely. Do not under-tension the chain or it will cause sprocket wear.

4. Tighten mounting bolts.

   Note: We do not recommend lubricating the drive chains unless they become stiff from rust. If the chain rusts, lightly lubricate it with a dry-type lubricant. This reduces the likelihood of sand build-up or other top-dressing material adhering to the chain.

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Remove the chain cover (Figure 17).

   

   Figure 17

   1. Chain cover

3. Loosen bolts and nuts that secure the motor and sprocket assembly to the main frame (Figure 18).

4. Rotate motor and sprocket assembly (Figure 18) in mounting slots until the conveyer-belt chain deflects 3.2 mm (1/8 inch).

   Important: Do not over tension the chain or it will wear prematurely. Do not under-tension the chain or it will cause sprocket wear.

   

   Figure 18

   1. Conveyer-belt chain
   2. Motor and sprocket assembly

5. Tighten mounting bolts (Figure 18).

6. Install chain cover (Figure 17).

When conveyor belt is adjusted properly, the compressed length of each compression spring should be 4-7/16 inches (112 mm). Adjust conveyor belt as follows:

1. Empty the hopper.

2. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

3. Loosen rear jam nut (Figure 19).

   

   Figure 19

   1. Tension rod
   2. Compression spring
   3. Jam nut (forward)
   4. Jam nut (rear)
   5. Spring compression 4-7/16 inches (112 mm)

4. Adjust forward jam nut to compression spring to 4-7/16 inches (112 mm).

5. Tighten jam rear nut.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at the other side of the machine

7. Measure the distance between center points of the belt-roller shafts at each side of machine to ensure that the measurements are equal (Figure 20).

   Equal distance measures approximately 895 mm (35-1/4 inches).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Belt-roller shafts
   2. 35-1/4 inches (895 mm)

The recommended replacement fluid is:

Toro Premium All Season Hydraulic Fluid: Available in 19 L (5 US gallon) containers or 208 L (55 US gallon) drums—see the Parts Catalog or your Toro distributor for part numbers.

Alternative fluids: If the Toro fluid is not available, other fluids may be used provided that they meet all of the following material properties and industry specifications. Check with your oil supplier to identify a satisfactory product.

Note: Toro does not assume responsibility for damage caused by improper substitutions, so use only products from reputable manufacturers who stand behind their recommendation.

The proper hydraulic fluids must be specified for mobile machinery (as opposed to industrial plant usage), multiweight-type, with ZnDTP or ZDDP antiwear additive package (not an ashless-type fluid).

Important: Many hydraulic fluids are almost colorless, making it difficult to spot leaks. A red dye additive for the hydraulic system oil is available in 20 ml (2/3 fl oz) bottles. One bottle is sufficient for 15 to 22 L (4 to 6 US gallons) of hydraulic fluid. Order part 44-2500 from your authorized Toro distributor.

Synthetic, Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid: Available in 19 L (5 US gallon) containers or 208 L (55 US gallon) drums—see the Parts Catalog or your Toro distributor for part numbers.

This high-quality, synthetic, biodegradable fluid has been tested and found compatible for this Toro model. Other brands of synthetic fluid may have seal compatibility problems and Toro cannot assume responsibility for unauthorized substitutions.

Note: This synthetic fluid is not compatible with the Toro Biodegradable Fluid previously sold. See your Toro Distributor for more information.

Alternative fluids:

• Mobil EAL Envirosyn H 46 (US)

• Mobil EAL Hydraulic Oil 46 (international)

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance

2. Clean area around filler neck and cap of hydraulic tank, and remove the cap (Figure 34).

   

   Figure 34

   1. Hydraulic tank cap

3. Check fluid level. Fluid level should be 1/2 way up the screen in filler neck.

4. If level is low, add the specified fluid to raise level.

Reservoir fluid capacity: approximately 9.5 L (2.5 US gallon)

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Align a drain pan with a 9.5 L (2.5 US gallon) capacity under the hydraulic reservoir.

3. Remove the fitting from bottom of hydraulic reservoir and allow the reservoir to drain completely (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

   1. Hydraulic reservoir cap

4. Install and tighten hydraulic-reservoir fitting.

5. Clean area around filler neck and cap of hydraulic tank, and remove the cap (Figure 35).

6. Add approximately 9.5 L (2.5 US gallon) of the specified hydraulic fluid; refer to Hydraulic Fluid Specification.

   Important: Use only hydraulic fluids specified. Other fluids could cause damage to components of the hydraulic system.

7. Check level of fluid and add enough to the fluid level stated in Checking the Hydraulic Fluid Level.

   Important: Do not overfill the reservoir with hydraulic fluid.

8. Install reservoir cap (Figure 35).

1. Perform the steps in Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Clean area around filter and hydraulic manifold, align a drain pan under filter, and remove filter (Figure 36).

   

   Figure 36

   1. Hydraulic filter

3. Lubricate the gasket of the new filter with the specified hydraulic fluid; refer to Hydraulic Fluid Specification.

4. Clean the filter-mounting area of the hydraulic manifold.

5. Thread the filter onto the mount until gasket manifold, then tighten filter one-half turn.

6. Tow machine to power the hydraulic system and check for hydraulic leaks.

Inspect hydraulic lines and hoses daily for leaks, kinked lines, loose mounting supports, wear, loose fittings, weather deterioration and chemical deterioration. Make all necessary repairs before operating the machine.

Brush must make enough contact with conveyor belt to disperse top-dressing material but not restrict the rotation of the brush. A piece of stiff paper can be inserted between the conveyor belt and the brush to check the adjustment. .

1. Insert a piece of stiff between the conveyor belt and the brush to check the adjustment.

2. Check that the brush is same height from side to side.

3. Check the condition of the brush bristles.

   If the bristles are excessively worn replace the brush. If the bristles are worn uneven either replace the brush or adjust the brush position; refer to Adjusting the Brush Position.

Note: If you are using moist top-dressing material, you may need to adjust the brush position so that the bristles will whisk material from between conveyor belt lugs without excessively contacting smooth portion of belt.

1. Loosen nuts that secure the bearing housing (Figure 37) to right side of machine.

   

   Figure 37

   1. Bearing housing

2. Loosen nuts that secure the brush motor (Figure 38) to left side of machine.

   

   Figure 38

   1. Brush motor

3. Slide brush into position at right side, and snug the nuts.

4. Slide brush into position at left side, and snug the nuts.

5. Insert a piece of stiff paper between the brush and the conveyor belt.

   The brush must be the same height from side to side.

6. If the brush position is correct, tighten nuts.

   If the brush position is not correct, repeat steps 1 through 6.