Operating Characteristics; Ensuring Passenger Safety - Toro 07379 Operator's Manual

Verifying the Clutch Interlock Switch
1. Sit on the operator's seat and engage the parking brake.
2. Without pressing the clutch pedal, rotate the ignition
key clockwise to the Start position.
Note: If the engine cranks or starts, there is a
malfunction in the interlock system that must be
repaired before operating the machine.

Operating Characteristics

The vehicle is designed with safety in mind. It has 4
wheels for added stability. It uses familiar automotive style
controls, including the steering wheel, brake pedal, clutch
pedal, accelerator pedal, and gear shifter. It is important to
remember, however, that this vehicle is not a passenger car. It
is a work vehicle and is designed for off road use only.
WARNING
The Workman vehicle is an off–highway
vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped, or
manufactured for use on public streets, roads or
highways.
The vehicle has special tires, low gear ratios and other features
that give it extra traction. These features add to the versatility
of the vehicle but, they can also get you into dangerous
situations. You must keep in mind that the vehicle is not
a recreation vehicle, it is not an all terrain vehicle, and, it
is definitely not meant for stunt driving or horsing around.
It is a work vehicle, not a play vehicle. Children should not
be allowed to operate the vehicle. Anyone who operates the
vehicle should have a motor vehicle license.
The driver and passenger should always use the seat belts.
If you are not experienced at driving the vehicle, practice
driving it in a safe area away from other people. Be sure
you are familiar with all the controls, particularly those used
for braking, steering, and transmission shifting. Learn how
your vehicle handles on different surfaces. Your operating
skills will improve with experience, but as in operating any
vehicle, take it easy as you begin. Be sure you know how to
stop quickly in an emergency. If you need help, ask your
supervisor for assistance.
Many factors contribute to accidents. You have control over
several of the most important. Your actions, such as driving
too fast for conditions, braking too fast, turning too sharp,
and combinations of these, are frequent cause of accidents.
One of the major causes of accidents is fatigue. Be sure to
take occasional breaks. It is very important that you stay
alert at all times.
Never operate the vehicle, or any equipment, if you are under
the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Even prescription
drugs and cold medicines can cause drowsiness. Read the
label on the medicine or check with your doctor or pharmacist
if you are unsure about a certain medication.
One of the most important rules to follow is to go slower in
unfamiliar areas. It is surprising how much damage and injury
common things can cause. Tree branches, fences, wires, other
vehicles, tree stumps, ditches, sand traps, streams, and other
things found in most parks and golf courses can be hazardous
to the operator and passenger.
Avoid driving when it is dark, especially in unfamiliar areas. If
you must drive when it is dark, be sure to drive cautiously, use
the head lights, and even consider adding additional lights.

Ensuring Passenger Safety

Whenever you have a passenger riding in the machine, make
sure he or she is wearing the seat belt and holding on securely.
Drive slower and turn less sharply because your passenger
does not know what you are going to do next and may not be
prepared for turning, stopping, accelerating, and bumps.
You and your passenger should remain seated at all times,
keeping arms and legs inside the vehicle. The operator should
keep both hands on steering wheel, whenever possible, and
the passenger should use the hand holds provided (Figure
20 and Figure 21).
1. Passenger hand hold
21
Figure 20
2. Storage compartment