Maintenance And Storage; Slope Operation - Toro 74408 Operator's Manual

• 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.

Maintenance and storage

• Disengage drives, lower implement, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key
or disconnect spark plug wire. Wait for all
movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning
or repairing.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting units,
drives, mufflers, and engine to help prevent
fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Let engine cool before storing and do not store
near flame.
• Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do
not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
• Park machine on level ground. Never allow
untrained personnel to service machine.
• Use jack stands to support components when
required.
• Carefully release pressure from components
with stored energy.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire
before making any repairs. Disconnect the
negative terminal first and the positive last.
Reconnect positive first and negative last.
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use caution when
servicing them. Only replace blades. Never
straighten or weld them.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
If possible, do not make adjustments with the
engine running.
• Charge batteries in an open well ventilated
area, away from spark and flames. Unplug
charger before connecting or disconnecting
from battery. Wear protective clothing and use
insulated tools.
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