Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro TimeCutter Z4235 Operator's Manual

Safety

This machine meets or exceeds the B71.1-2003
specifications of the American National Standards
Institute, in effect at the time of production.
However, improper use or maintenance by the
operator or owner can result in injury. To reduce
the potential for injury, comply with these safety
instructions and always pay attention to the
safety alert symbol, which means CAUTION,
WARNING, or DANGER-"personal safety
instruction." Failure to comply with the instruction
may result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.1-2003.
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in
the operator's manual and on the machine before
starting.
• Do not place hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing up.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet
back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when
crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the machine without deflector,
discharge cover or entire grass collection system in
place and working.
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before changing
directions.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove key before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop the engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop
before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate the machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating the
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.
• Always follow the recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do
not operate the machine; seek shelter.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that
change the operating angle, as rough terrain could
overturn the machine.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to
stop while operating on a slope.
• Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding
and loss of control.
• Always keep the wheel motors engaged when going
down slopes.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
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