Safety; Safe Operation Practices For Riding Rotary Lawn Mowers - Toro 74592 Operator's Manual

Safety

Safe Operation Practices for
Riding Rotary Lawn Mowers
Read and understand the contents of this manual before
operating the machine.
The safety alert symbol (Figure 2) is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
The following instructions are from the CEN standard
EN 836:1997.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet
and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
Training
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the lawn mower. Local
regulations can restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
• Do not carry passengers.
• All drivers should seek and obtain professional
and practical instruction. Such instruction should
emphasize:
– the need for care and concentration when
working with ride-on machines;
– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope
will not be regained by the application of the
brake. The main reasons for loss of control are:
◊ insufficient wheel grip;
◊ being driven too fast;
◊ inadequate braking;
◊ the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
◊ lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions, especially slopes;
◊ incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all objects which may be
thrown by the machine.
• Warning—Fuel is highly flammable.
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for
this purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while
the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source of
ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
• Replace faulty silencers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn
or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
• Do not use on slopes of more than
– 5° when mowing on side hills;
– 10° when mowing uphill;
– 15° when mowing downhill.
• Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To
guard against overturning:
– do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;
– engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in
gear, especially when travelling downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes
and during tight turns;
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