Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 72211 Operator's Manual

Safety

This machine meets or exceeds the B71.1-1998
specifications of the American National Standards
Institute, in effect at the time of production. However,
improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner
can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions and always pay
attention to the safety alert symbol, which means
CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER-"personal
safety instruction." Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.1-1998.
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
General Operation
•
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in
the operator's manual and on the machine before
starting.
•
Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade.
•
Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the
area.
•
Never carry passengers.
•
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing.
•
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher or the guard
in place.
•
Slow down before turning.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•
Turn off blades when not mowing.
•
Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher
or unclogging the chute.
•
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
•
Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating mower.
•
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
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
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