Slope Operation - Toro 71197 Operator's Manual

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control
and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on
it, do not mow it.
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you
will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Follow Toro's recommendations for wheel
weight or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of
the machine.
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The machine could suddenly turn
over if a wheel goes over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting
your foot on the ground.
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
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 activity.
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.
Be alert and turn the machine off if children
enter the area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down
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.
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.
Service
Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are
explosive.
A. Use only an approved container.
B. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel when
the engine is running. Allow the engine to
cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
C. Never refuel the machine indoors.
D. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such as
near a water heater or furnace.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade
attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good
condition.
Safety
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