Slope Operation - Toro Wheel Horse XL 320 71199 Operator's Manual

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
key before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Stop the engine
and what 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 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
• Always follow the recommendations for wheel weights
or counterweights.

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.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden
obstacles. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop
or shift while on a slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating mower with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• 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.
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 a responsible adult, not the operator.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and while backing or changing direction, look
behind, down, and side–to–side 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.
• Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride
and be run over or backed over by the mower.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
Towing
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attached towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• This product has a limited towing capacity for small
attachments, such as leaf sweepers, rollers or carts. The
combined weight of the attachment and load should not
exceed the weight of the tractor. Use of these types of
attachments should be limited to flat ground.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may cause a
loss of traction and control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
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