4
•
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
•
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower–related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious
injury
.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
•
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
•
Follow Toro’s recommendations for wheel weight or
counterweights to improve stability.
•
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
•
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
•
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel goes
over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
•
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
•
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
•
Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
•
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
•
Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Service
•
Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
–
Use only an approved container.
–
Never remove the gas cap or add fuel when the
engine is running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
–
Never refuel the machine indoors.
–
Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as near a water
heater or furnace.
•
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
•
Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade
attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good condition.
•
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
•
Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow the
machine to cool before storing.
•
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
•
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
•
Use only genuine Toro replacement parts to ensure that
original standards are maintained.
