Toro 03170 Operator's Manual page 5

the operator's position. Never remove the ROPS and
always wear the seat belts during operation.
• Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. Do
the following to guard against overturning:
– Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill.
– Keep machine speeds 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.
• 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.
• When using any attachments, never direct discharge
of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near
the machine while in operation.
• 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.
• Do the following before leaving the operator's
position:
– Stop on level ground.
– Disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments.
– Change into neutral and set the parking brake.
– Stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage the drive to attachments, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition key in the following
conditions:
– Before refueling
– Before removing the grass catcher(s)
– Before making height adjustments, unless the
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
– Before clearing blockages
– Before checking, cleaning, or working on the
mower
– After striking a foreign object or if an abnormal
vibration occurs (check immediately). Inspect
the mower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment.
• Disengage the drive to attachments when
transporting or when the machine is not in use.
• Reduce the throttle setting before stopping the
engine and, if the engine is provided with a fuel
shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of
mowing.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure
of a clear path.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop cylinders/reels
if not mowing.
• Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• 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.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• The operator shall turn on flashing warning lights,
if provided, whenever traveling on a public road,
except where such use is prohibited by law.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Maintenance and Storage
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer/muffler, battery compartment fuel storage
area, cutting units and drives free of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Keep all parts in good working condition and all
hardware and hydraulic fittings tightened. Replace
worn or damaged parts and decals for safety.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
• Be careful during adjustment of the machine to
prevent entrapment of the fingers between moving
blades and fixed parts of the machine.
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