Toro Groundsmaster 345 Operator's Manual page 6

14. Using the machine demands the operator's
complete attention. To prevent loss of control:
A. Operate only in daylight or when there is
good artificial light.
B. Drive slowly.
C. Avoid sudden stops and starts.
D. Look behind machine before backing up.
E. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
F. Do not drive close to a sand trap, ditch,
creek, or hazard.
G. Reduce speed when making sharp turns and
when turning on a hillside.
H. The cutting deck must be lowered when
going down slopes for steering control.
15. 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.
16. This product may exceed noise levels of 85 dB(A) at
the operator position. Ear protectors are recommended
for prolonged exposure to reduce the potential of
permanent hearing damage.
17. Traverse slopes carefully. Do not start or stop
suddenly when traversing slopes or when traveling
uphill or downhill.
18. If engine stalls or machine 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. The grass deflector(s) must always be installed and
in lowest position on the cutting unit. This product is
designed to drive objects into the ground where they
lose energy quickly in grassy areas. However, 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.
20. Never raise the cutting unit or other attached
implement while the blades or other parts are rotating.
21. If cutting blades or other implement components
strike a solid object or the machine vibrates abnormally,
disengage PTO, move throttle to SLOW, set parking
brake, and shut engine off. Remove key from switch to
prevent possibility of accidental starting. Check cutting
unit or other implement and traction unit for damage and
defective parts. Repair any damage before restarting
the engine and operating the implement or cutting unit.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Assure cutting unit blades are in good condition and
blade bolts are torqued to proper specifications (See
Cutting Deck Operator's Manual).
22. To stop machine, remove foot from traction pedal
and use brakes. Gradually reversing the traction pedal
can provide additional braking.
23. Do not touch engine, muffler, or radiator while
engine is running or soon after it has stopped. These
areas could be hot enough to cause a burn.
24. Lower the cutting unit or other attached implement
to the ground and remove key from switch whenever
machine is left unattended.
25. Before getting off the seat:
MAINTENANCE
26. Remove key from ignition switch to prevent
accidental starting of the engine when servicing,
adjusting, or storing the machine.
27. If major repairs are ever needed or assistance is
desired, contact an Authorized TORO Distributor.
28. To reduce potential fire hazard, keep the engine free
of excessive grease, grass, leaves, and accumulations
of dirt.
29. If the cutting unit discharge area ever plugs,
disengage PTO and shut engine off before removing the
obstruction.
30. Make sure machine is in safe operating condition by
keeping nuts, bolts, and screws tight. Check all cutting
unit blade mounting bolts frequently to assure they are
torqued to proper specifications (See Cutting Deck
Operator's Manual).
31. Make sure all hydraulic line connectors are tight,
and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
before applying pressure to the system.
32. Keep body and hands away from pin hole leaks or
nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure.
Use paper or cardboard, not hands, to search for leaks.
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can have
sufficient force to penetrate skin and do serious
damage. If fluid is ejected into the skin, it must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor
familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may result.
A. Move traction pedal to neutral position and
remove foot from pedal.
B. Set the parking brake and disengage the PTO.
C. Shut the engine off and remove key from
ignition switch. Wait for all movement to stop
before getting off the seat.
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