Toro 71257 Operator's Manual page 4

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all objects which may be
thrown by the machine.
• Warning—Fuel is highly flammable.
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for
this purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while
the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source of
ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
• Replace faulty silencers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn
or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
• Do not use on slopes of more than
– 5° when mowing on side hills;
– 10° when mowing uphill;
– 15° when mowing downhill.
• Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To
guard against overturning:
– do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;
– engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in
gear, especially when travelling downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes
and during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other
hidden hazards;
– never mow across the face of the slope, unless
the lawn mower is designed for this purpose.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
– Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
– Limit loads to those you can safely control.
– Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
– Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in the instruction handbook.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
• Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
• When using any attachments, never direct discharge
of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near
the machine while in operation.
• Never operate the machine with damaged guards or
without safety protective devices in place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal
injury.
• Before leaving the operator's position:
– disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
– change into neutral and set the parking brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine,
and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the
ignition key
– before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
– before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn
mower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn
mower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting
or not in use.
• Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
– before refuelling;
– before removing the grass catcher;
– before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out
and, if the engine is provided with a shut-off valve,
turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
4