Slope Operation - Toro 74722 Operator's Manual

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Turn off the blades when not mowing. Shut off the
engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, and
remove the key before cleaning the machine, removing
the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge chute.
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Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
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Do not operate the machine while tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
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Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
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Wear appropriate clothing including eye protection and
substantial, slip-resistant shoes. Tie back long hair. Do
not wear jewelry.
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Always follow the recommendations for any application
of counterweights.
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Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning
is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate
the machine; seek shelter.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
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Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
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Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change
the operating angle, as rough terrain could overturn the
machine.
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Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to
stop while operating on a slope.
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Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and
loss of control.
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Always keep the drive wheels engaged when going down
slopes.
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Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
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Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
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Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
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Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because the
mower may tip backward.
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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.
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Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If
the tires lose traction, stop the machine, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly down the slope.
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Use extreme care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine and cause
loss of control.
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Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
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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.
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Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
drop-offs, ditches, steep banks, or water.
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.
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Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult, not the
operator.
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Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
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Before and while backing or changing direction, look
behind, down, and side-to-side for small children.
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Never carry children on the machine, even with the
blades off. Children may fall off and be seriously injured
or interfere with the safe operation of the machine.
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Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and
be run over or backed over by the mower.
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Never allow children to operate the machine.
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Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Towing Safety
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Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
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Follow the attachment manufacturer's recommendation
for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on
slopes. Towed weight must not exceed the weight of the
machine, operator, and ballast. Use counterweights or
wheel weights as described in the attachment, or in the
towing machine's Operator's Manual.
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Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
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On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction, increased risk of rollover, and loss of
control. Reduce the towed weight and slow down.
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The stopping distance increases with the weight of the
towed load. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
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Make wide turns to keep the attachment clear of the
machine.
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