Toro TimeCutter Z5000 Operator's Manual page 4

• Neverleave a runningmachine unattended. A hvays
turn off blades, s etparing brake,stopengine, a nd
removekeybeforedismounting.
• Turn off blades whennot mowing.Stopthe engine
andwait for allpartsto cometo a complete stop
beforecleaning the machine, r emovingthe grass
catcheror unclogging the discharge c hute.
• Operatethe machine only in daylight o r good
artificiallight.
• Do not operate the machinewhileunderthe
influenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Watchfor trafficwhenoperating nearor crossing
roadways.
• Useextracarewhenloadingor unloading the
machine into a traileror truck.
Ahvays weareyeprotectionwhenoperatingthe
mower.
• Dataindicates that operators, a ge60yearsand
above, a reinvolvedin a largepercentage o f riding
mower-related i njuries.Theseoperators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the ridingmower
safely enoughto protectthemseDes a ndothersfrom
serious injur>
• Ahvaysfollow the recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights.
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 fed 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.
• Ahvays keep the wheel motors engaged when going
down slopes.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because
the mower may tip backwards.
• Be aware that loss of traction may occur going
downhill. Weight transfer to the front wheels may
cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braMng
and steering.
• Ahvays avoid sudden starting or stopping on a
slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly off the slope.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine and cause loss of control.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks
or water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause
rollovers, which may result in serious injur B death
or drowning.
• Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer
near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activit> Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of another responsible adult, not
the operator.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
Before and while bac_ng or changing direction, look
behind, down, and side-to-side for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
• Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride
and be run over or backed over by the mower.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, the end of a fence or other objects that
may obscure vision.
Towing
A hitch _t is available for this machine and can be
obtained by contacting an Authorized Toro Dealer.
Do not tow without first installing this manufacturer