Maintenance And Storage - Toro 71285 Operator's Manual

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
lawnmower 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
lawnmower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower 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.

Maintenance and Storage

Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a
building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,
battery compartment and fuel storage area free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease.
Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done
outdoors.
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive
mechanical lock is used.
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