While Operating - Toro 12003 Operator's Manual

Always wear substantial shoes. Do not operate the
machine while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, or
sneakers. Do not wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry
which could get caught in moving parts and cause
personal injury.
Wearing safety glasses and long pants is advisable.
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 headlights, and even consider adding
additional lights.
Be extremely careful when operating around people.
Always be aware of where bystanders might be.
Before operating the vehicle, always check the
designated areas of the vehicle that are stated in the
pre-starting section of this manual. If something is
wrong, do not use the vehicle. Make sure that the
problem is corrected before the vehicle or attachment is
operated.
Since gasoline is highly flammable, handle it carefully.
– Use an approved gasoline container.
– Do not remove the cap from the fuel tank when the
engine is hot or running.
– Do not smoke while handling gasoline.
– Fill the fuel tank outdoors and to about one inch
below top of tank (bottom of the filler neck). Do not
overfill.
– Wipe up any spilled gasoline.

While Operating

Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which
is an odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
The operator and passenger should remain seated
whenever the vehicle is in motion. The operator should
keep both hands on the steering wheel, whenever
possible and the passenger should use the hand holds
provided. Keep your arms and legs within the vehicle
body at all times.
Drive slower and turn less sharply when you are
carrying a passenger. Remember your passenger may
not be expecting you to brake or turn and may not be
ready.
Always watch out for and avoid low overhangs such as
tree limbs, door jambs, and over-head walkways. Make
sure there is enough room over head to easily clear the
vehicle and your head.
Always shift into neutral and apply the parking brake
before leaving an idling vehicle, or else the vehicle may
creep.
Failure to operate the vehicle safely may result in an
accident, tip over of the vehicle, and serious injury or
death. Drive carefully. To prevent tipping or loss of
control:
– Use extreme caution and reduce speed around
unfamiliar areas or any areas that have abrupt
changes in ground conditions or elevation.
– Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
– Use extra caution when operating the vehicle on wet
surfaces, in adverse weather conditions, at higher
speeds, or with a full load. Stopping time and
distance will increase with a full load.
– Avoid sudden stops and starts. Do not go from
reverse to forward or forward to reverse without
first coming to a complete stop.
– Slow down before turning. Do not attempt sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that may cause a loss of vehicle control.
– When dumping, do not let anyone stand behind the
vehicle and do not dump the load on anyone's feet.
Release the tailgate latches from the side of box, not
from behind.
– Only operate the vehicle when the cargo box is
down and latched.
– Before backing up, look to the rear and ensure no
one is behind the vehicle. Back up slowly.
– Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roads.
Always yield the right of way to pedestrians and
other vehicles. This vehicle is not designed for use
on streets or highways. Always signal your turns or
stop early enough so other persons know what you
plan to do. Obey all traffic rules and regulations.
– The electrical and exhaust systems of the vehicle
can produce sparks capable of igniting explosive
materials. Never operate the vehicle in or near an
area where there is dust or fumes in the air which
are explosive.
Do not touch the engine or muffler while the engine is
running or soon after it has stopped. These areas may be
hot enough to cause burns.
If the machine ever vibrates abnormally, stop
immediately, wait for all motion to stop, and inspect for
damage. Repair all damage before commencing
operation.
4