Toro 74840 Operator's Manual page 5

• 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 drive wheels engaged when going
down slopes.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because the
mower may tip backwards.
• Be aware that loss of traction may occur going
downhill. Weight transfer to the front wheels may
cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking
and steering.
• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope.
If tires lose traction, stop the machine, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine and cause loss of control.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks
or water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause
rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death
or drowning.
• Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer
near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
Using the Rollover Protection System
(ROPS)
• Keep the roll bar in the raised and locked position
and use the seat belt when operating the machine.
• Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly
in the event of an emergency.
• Be aware there is no rollover protection when the
roll bar is down.
• Check the area to be mowed and never fold the
ROPS in areas where there are slopes, drop offs or
water.
• Lower the rollbar only when absolutely necessary.
Do not wear the seat belt with the roll bar folded
down.
• Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e.
branches, doorways, electrical wires) before driving
under any objects and do not contact them.
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, 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, the end of a fence or other objects that
may obscure vision.
Towing
A hitch kit is available for this machine and can be
obtained by contacting an Authorized Toro Dealer.
Do not tow without first installing this manufacturer
approved hitch. The following guidelines apply when
towing with the approved hitch kit installed.
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed
for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except
at the hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for
weight limits for towed equipment and towing on
slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
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