Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 74841 Operator's Manual

Safety

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

This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
The following safety instructions are based on ANSI
standard B71.1-2003. Safety information in addition
to the instructions found in the ANSI standard below
can be found in Toro Riding Mower Safety at the end
of this section.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in
the operator's manual and on the machine before
starting.
• Do not place hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing up.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet
back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when
crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the machine without deflector,
discharge cover or entire grass collection system in
place and working.
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before changing
directions.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove key before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop the engine,
wait for all parts to come to a complete stop
and remove the key before cleaning the machine,
removing the grass catcher or unclogging the
discharge chute.
• Operate the machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating the
mower.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. Operators should evaluate
their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from
serious injury.
• Always follow the recommendations for any
application of counterweights.
• 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.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that
change the operating angle, as rough terrain could
overturn the machine.
• 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.
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