Toro 74665 Operator's Manual page 19

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Before leaving the operating position (including
to empty the catchers or to unclog the chute), do
the following:
– Stop the machine on level ground.
– Disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments.
– Engage the parking brake.
– Shut off the engine and remove the key.
– Wait for all moving parts to stop.
•
Do not operate the machine when there is the risk
of lightning.
•
Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle unless
it has a hitch installed.
•
Do not change the governor speed or overspeed
the engine.
•
Use only accessories and attachments approved
by Toro.
•
This machine produces sound levels in excess
of 85 dBA at the operator's ear and can cause
hearing loss through extended periods of
exposure.
1. Wear hearing protection.
Slope Safety
•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and rollover accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. The operator is responsible for
safe slope operation. Operating the machine on
any slope requires extra caution. Before using the
machine on a slope, do the following:
– Review and understand the slope instructions
in the manual and on the machine.
– Use an angle indicator to determine the
approximate slope angle of the area.
– Never operate on slopes greater than 15
degrees.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
Figure 17
quickly affect the operation of the machine on
a slope.
•
Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
not operate the machine near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments, water, or other hazards. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe
distance (twice the width of the machine) between
the machine and any hazard. Use a walk-behind
machine or a hand trimmer to mow the grass in
these areas.
•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on
slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or
direction; turn slowly and gradually.
•
Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering, or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet
grass, across slopes, or downhill may cause the
machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the
drive wheels may result in sliding and a loss of
braking and steering. The machine can slide even
if the drive wheels are stopped.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
•
Use extra care while operating with accessories or
attachments, such as grass-collection systems.
These can change the stability of the machine
and cause a loss of control. Follow directions for
counterweights.
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If possible, keep the deck lowered to the ground
while operating on slopes. Raising the deck while
operating on slopes can cause the machine to
become unstable.
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