Toro Groundsmaster 455-D Service Manual page 6

long pants and a helmet is advisable and required by
some local ordinances and insurance regulations.
6. Assure interlock switches are adjusted correctly so
engine cannot be started unless traction pedal is in
NEUTRAL and cutting unit is DISENGAGED.
7. Remove all debris or other objects that might be
picked up and thrown by the blades or fast moving
components from other attached implements. Keep all
bystanders away from operating area.
While Operating
9. Sit on the seat when starting and operating the
machine.
10. Before starting the engine:
A. Engage the parking brake.
B. Make sure traction pedal is in NEUTRAL and
cutting decks are DISENGAGED. Move axle shift to
HI or LO position.
C. After engine is started, release parking brake and
keep foot off traction pedal. Machine must not move.
If movement is evident, the neutral return mecha ­
nism is adjusted incorrectly; therefore, shut engine
off and adjust until machine does not move when
traction pedal is released. Refer to Adjusting Trac­
tion Drive for Neutral in Chapter 4 - Hydraulic
System.
11. Seating capacity is one person. Therefore, never
carry passengers.
12. Do not run engine in a confined area without ade ­
quate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and
could possibly be deadly.
13. Check interlock switches daily for proper operation.
Do not rely entirely on safety switches – use common
sense. If a switch fails, replace it before operating the
machine. The interlock system is for your protection, so
do not bypass it. Replace all interlock switches every
two years.
14. Using the machine demands attention and to pre­
vent loss of control:
A. Operate only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
B. Drive slowly. Avoid sudden stops and starts.
C. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
D. Look behind machine before backing up.
E. Do not drive close to a sand trap, ditch, creek or
other hazard.
Safety Instructions
8. Since diesel fuel is highly flammable, handle it
carefully:
A. Use an approved fuel container.
B. Do not remove fuel tank cap while engine is hot
or running.
C. Do not smoke while handling fuel.
D. Fill fuel tank outdoors and only to within an inch
from the top of the tank, not the filler neck. Do not
overfill.
E. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
F Reduce speed when making sharp turns and
turning on a hillside.
15. Traverse slopes carefully. Do not start or stop sud­
denly when traveling uphill or downhill. Never shift axle
when moving. Machine must be on a flat surface and /
or brakes must be engaged to prevent freewheeling.
16. Operator must be skilled and trained in how to drive
on hillsides. Failure to use caution on slopes or hills may
cause loss of control and vehicle to tip or roll possibly
resulting in personal injury or death.
17. When operating 4 wheel drive machine, always use
the seat belt and ROPS together and have seat pivot
retaining pin installed.
18. If engine stalls or loses headway and cannot make
it to the top of a slope, do not turn machine around.
Always back slowly straight down the slope.
19. Raise cutting decks and latch securely in transport
position before driving from one work area to another.
20. DON'T TAKE AN INJURY RISK! When a person or
pet appears unexpectedly in or near the mowing area,
STOP MOWING. Careless operation, combined with
terrain angles, ricochets, or improperly positioned
guards can lead to thrown object injuries. Do not resume
mowing until area is cleared.
21. Do not touch engine, muffler or exhaust pipe while
engine is running or soon after it is stopped. These areas
could be hot enough to cause burns.
22. If cutting deck strikes a solid object or vibrates
abnormally, stop immediately, turn engine off, set park­
ing brake and wait for all motion to stop. Inspect for
damage. If damaged, repair or replace any components
before operating.
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Groundsmaster 455-D