Slope Operation - Toro Z555 74245 Operator's Manual

• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
• Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that operator's presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Start the engine only
from the operator's position.
• Never raise mower with the blades running.
• Never operate without the PTO shield, or other guards
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are functioning
properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator's position for any reason
including emptying the catchers or unclogging the
chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before changing
directions.
• Slow down and use caution when crossing roads and
sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
• Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Use extreme care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

Slope Operation

• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Do not mow near drop–offs, ditches, steep banks or
water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause
rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death or
drowning.
• Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and
loss of control.
• Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
drop–offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that
change the operating angle, as rough terrain could
overturn the machine.
• 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 braking
and steering.
• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly off the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine and cause loss of control.
Using the Rollover Protection System
(ROPS)
• Keep the roll bar in the raised and locked position and
use the seat belt when operating the machine.
• Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly in
the event of an emergency.
• Be aware there is no rollover protection when the roll
bar is down.
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