Toro 07280 Operator's Manual page 6

make sure they work properly. If they do not,
drive slowly while putting light pressure on the
brake pedal. This will dry the brakes out.
Operating on Hills
Operating the vehicle on a hill may cause
tipping or rolling of the vehicle, or the engine
may stall and you could lose headway on the
hill. This could result in personal injury.
• Do not operate on excessively steep
slopes.
• Do not accelerate quickly or slam on
the brakes when backing down a hill,
especially with a load.
• If the engine stalls or you lose headway
on a hill, slowly back straight down the
hill. Never attempt to turn the vehicle
around.
• Operate the vehicle slowly on a hill and
use caution.
• Avoid turning on a hill.
• Reduce your load and the speed of the
vehicle.
• Avoid stopping on hills, especially with
a load.
These extra cautions need to be taken when
operating the vehicle on a hill:
• Slow down before starting up or down a hill.
• If the batteries run low or you begin to lose
headway while climbing a hill, gradually apply
the brakes and slowly back straight down the
hill.
• Turning while traveling up or down hills can
be dangerous. If you have to turn while on a
hill, do it slowly and cautiously. Never make
sharp or fast turns.
• Heavy loads affect stability. Reduce the weight
of the load and your speed when operating on
hills or if the load has a high center of gravity.
Secure the load to prevent it from shifting and
take extra care when hauling loads that shift
easily (liquid, rock, sand, etc.).
• Avoid stopping on hills, especially with a load.
Stopping while going down a hill will take
longer than stopping on level ground. If the
vehicle must be stopped, avoid sudden speed
changes, which may initiate tipping or rolling
of the vehicle. Do not slam on the brakes
when rolling backward, as this may cause the
vehicle to overturn.
• We strongly recommend installing the optional
ROPS Kit when operating on hilly terrain.
Operating on Rough Terrain
Reduce speed and load when operating on rough
terrain, uneven ground, and near curbs, holes, and
other sudden changes in terrain. Loads may shift,
causing the vehicle to become unstable.
We strongly recommend installing the optional
ROPS Kit when operating on rough terrain.
Sudden changes in terrain may cause abrupt
steering wheel movement, possibly resulting
in hand and arm injuries.
• Reduce your speed when operating on
rough terrain and near curbs.
• Grip the steering wheel loosely around
the perimeter. Keep your hands clear of
the steering wheel spokes.
Loading and Dumping
The weight and position of the cargo and
passenger can change the vehicle center of gravity
and vehicle handling. To avoid loss of control and
personal injury, follow these guidelines:
• Do not carry loads which exceed the load
limits described on the vehicle weight label;
refer to Specifications in Product Overview,
page 13, for vehicle weight limits. The load
rating is for level surfaces only.
• Reduce the weight of the load when operating
on hills and rough terrain to avoid tipping or
overturning of the vehicle.
• Reduce the weight of the load if the center of
gravity is high. Items such as bricks, fertilizer,
or landscape timbers stack higher in the box.
The higher a load is stacked, the more likely
the vehicle is to tip over. Distribute the load as
low as possible, making sure that the load does
not affect rear visibility.
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