Toro 07390 Workman HDX-Auto Operator's Manual page 33

More important, it can injure you and your passenger. Gross
machine weight has a major impact on your ability to stop or
turn. Heavier loads and heavier attachments make a machine
harder to stop or turn. The heavier the load, the longer it
takes to stop.
The braking characteristics also change with no bed or
attachment on the machine. Fast stops may cause the rear
wheels to lock up before the front wheels lock up, which may
affect the control of the machine. It is a good idea to decrease
machine speed with no bed or attachment.
Turf and pavement are much slipperier when they are wet.
It can take 2 to 4 times as long to stop on wet surfaces as
on dry surfaces.
If you drive through standing water deep enough to get the
brakes wet, they will not work well until they are dry. After
driving through water, you should test the brakes to make
sure that they work properly. If they do not, drive slowly
while putting light pressure on the brake pedal. This will dry
out the brakes .
Preventing Tip Overs
The machine is equipped with a roll bar, hip restraints, seat
belts, and hand hold. The ROPS system (Rollover Protection
System) used on the machine will reduce the risk of serious
or fatal injury in the unlikely event of a tip over, although the
system cannot protect the operator from all possible injuries.
Replace a damaged ROPS, do not repair it. Any alteration of
the ROPS must be approved by the manufacturer.
The best way to prevent accidents involving utility machines
is through continuous supervision and training of operators
and paying constant attention to the area in which machine
is being operated.
The best way for operators to prevent serious injury or death
to themselves or others, is to familiarize themselves with the
proper operation of the utility machine, to stay alert and to
avoid actions or conditions which could result in a accident.
In the event of a tip over, the risk of serious injury or death
will be reduced if the operator is using the ROPS system and
seat belts and is following the instructions provided.
Operating the Machine on Hills
WARNING
Tipping or rolling the machine on a hill will cause
serious personal injury.
• Do not operate the machine on steep slopes.
• If engine stalls or you lose headway on a hill,
never attempt to turn machine around.
• Always back straight down a hill in Reverse.
• Never back down in Neutral using only the
brakes.
• Never drive across a steep hill, always drive
straight up or down.
• Avoid turning on a hill.
• Don't slam on the brakes. A sudden speed
change can initiate a tip over.
Use extra care when on hills. Never go on hills that are
extremely steep. Stopping while going down a hill will take
longer than on level ground. Turning while going up or
down a hill is more dangerous than turning on the level.
Making turns while going down hill, especially with the brakes
on, and turning uphill while traversing a hill are particularly
dangerous. Even at a slow speed and without a load, tip overs
are more likely if you turn on a hill.
If you have to turn while on a hill, do it as slowly and
cautiously as possible. Never make sharp or fast turns on a
hill.
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill, quickly apply the brakes, shift to Neutral, restart the
engine and shift to Reverse.
Reduce the weight of the load if it is a steep hill or if the load
has high center of gravity. Remember, loads can shift, so
secure them.
Note: The machine has excellent hill-climbing ability. The
differential lock will increase this ability. Hill climbing traction
can also be increased by adding weight to the rear of the
machine in one of the following ways:
•
Adding weight to inside of box, making sure that it is
secured
•
Mounting wheel weights to rear wheels
•
Adding liquid ballast (calcium chloride) to rear tires
•
Not having a passenger in the front seat
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