Safety Instructions - Toro Groundsmaster 345 Operator's Manual

The GROUNDSMASTER
certified by TORO for compliance with the
B71.4—1999 specifications
National Standards Institute. Although hazard
control and accident prevention partially are
dependent upon the design and configuration of
the machine, these factors are also dependent
upon the awareness, concern, and proper training
of the personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of the
machine. Improper use or maintenance of the
machine can result in injury or death. To reduce the
potential for injury or death, comply with the
following safety instructions.
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Read and understand the contents of this manual
before starting and operating the machine. Become
familiar with all controls and know how to stop quickly. A
free replacement manual is available by sending
complete Model and Serial Numbers to:
The Toro Company
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420–1196
2. Never allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate the machine without proper
instruction. Only trained operators, skilled in slope
operation and who have read this manual should
operate this machine.
3. Never operate machine when under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
4. Remove all debris or other objects that might be
picked up and thrown by cutter blades or fast moving
components from other attached implements. Keep all
bystanders away from the operating area.
5. Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a
shield, safety device, or decal is defective or damaged,
repair or replace it before operation is commenced.
Also, tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and screws to insure
machine is in safe operating condition.
6. Do not wear loose–fitting clothing because it could
get caught in moving parts. Always wear long pants and
substantial shoes. Wearing safety glasses, safety
shoes, and a helmet is advisable and required by some
local ordinances and insurance regulations.
7. Check interlock switches daily for proper operation
(Refer To Checking Interlock Switches, Page 19). Do
not rely entirely on safety switches -shut off engine
before getting off seat. 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. Interlock switches should be
adjusted so:
4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

345 was tested and
of the American
A. Engine cannot be started unless traction
pedal is released (neutral position) and PTO lever
is DISENGAGED (off position).
B. Engine stops if operator gets off seat when
traction pedal is depressed.
C. Engine stops if operator gets off seat when
PTO lever is ENGAGED (on position).
D. Engine stops if traction pedal is depressed
when parking brake is engaged.
8. Grass deflectors must be installed in lowest position
on side discharge units and properly attached to Triflex
cutting unit wings.
9. Fill fuel tank with fuel before starting the engine.
Avoid spilling any fuel. Since fuel is flammable, handle it
carefully.
A. Use an approved fuel container.
B. Do not fill fuel tank when engine is hot or
running.
C. Do not smoke while handling fuel.
D. Fill fuel tank outdoors and up to about one
inch (25 mm) from the top of the tank, not the
filler neck.
E. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
WHILE OPERATING
10. Sit on the seat when starting the engine and
operating the machine.
11. Before starting the engine:
A. Engage parking brake. .
B. Make sure traction pedal is in neutral and PTO
is in OFF (disengage) 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 mechanism is adjusted incorrectly. Shut
engine off and adjust until machine does not
move when traction pedal is released.
12. Do not run the engine in a confined area without
adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous
and could possibly be deadly.
13. Maximum seating capacity is one person.
Therefore, never carry passengers.