Toro 20831 Operator's Manual page 4

– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline while the
engine is running or when the engine is hot.
– If gasoline is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine. Move the lawn mower away from the area
of spillage to avoid creating any source of ignition
until the gasoline vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
– If you must drain the fuel from the fuel tank, do it
outdoors.
Replace faulty mufflers.
Before using, always visually inspect the blades, blade
bolts, and cutter assembly for wear or damage. Replace
worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve
balance.
On multibladed lawn mowers, use care as rotating one
blade can cause the other blades to rotate.
Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
Walk; never run.
Keep a firm hold on the handle.
For wheeled rotary lawn mowers, mow across the face
of slopes, never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing the direction
on slopes.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the lawn
mower toward you.
Before and while moving backward, look behind and
down for small children.
Stop the blade(s) if you must tilt the lawn mower for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass
and when transporting the lawn mower to and from the
area to be mowed.
Never operate the lawn mower with damaged or
missing guards or shields, or without safety devices
(such as deflectors and grass catchers) in place.
Do not change the speed settings on the engine.
Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting
the engine.
Start the engine carefully according to instructions and
with feet well away from the blade(s).
Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine,
unless you must tilt the lawn mower to start it. In this
case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and
lift only the part which is away from the operator.
Do not start the engine when standing in front of the
discharge chute.
Do not put your hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Never pick up or carry a lawn mower while the engine
is running.
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark-plug wire:
– before clearing blockages or unclogging the chute;
– before checking, cleaning, or working on the lawn
mower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn
mower for damage and make repairs before starting
and operating the lawn mower; and
– if the lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally
(check it immediately).
Stop the engine:
– whenever you leave the lawn mower; and
– before refuelling.
Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if
the engine has a shutoff valve, turn the fuel off after
mowing.
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher.
Do not operate the lawn mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
If the lawn mower should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in a severe injury. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.
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