Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 30873 Operator's Manual

Safety

This machine has been designed in accordance with EN ISO
5395:2013 and ANSI B71.4-2012.
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

Training
•
Read the operator's manual and other training material
carefully. Be familiar with the controls, safety signs, and
the proper use of the equipment.
•
If the operator or mechanic cannot read the language of
this manual, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them.
•
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use or service the mower. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
•
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
•
Do not carry passengers.
•
All drivers and mechanics should seek and obtain
professional and practical instruction. The owner is
responsible for training the users. Such instruction should
emphasize:
– the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-on machines;
– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will
not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are:
◊ insufficient wheel grip;
◊ being driven too fast;
◊ inadequate braking;
◊ the type of machine is unsuitable for the task;
◊ lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions, especially slopes;
•
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to people or damage to
property.
Preparation
•
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear, long
trousers, hard hat, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
Long hair, loose clothing, or jewelry may get tangled
in moving parts. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
•
Replace worn or damaged silencers.
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
•
Check that operator's presence controls, safety switches,
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.
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.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches, shift into neutral, and engage the
parking brake.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•
Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel
on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against
overturning:
– do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
– never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
mower is designed for this purpose.
– Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in the operator's manual.
•
Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
•
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
•
Never operate the machine with damaged guards, shields,
or without safety protective devices in place. Be sure all
interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning
properly.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position:
– stop on level ground;
– disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
– set the parking brake;
4