Toro 12003 Operator's Manual page 5

Before getting off of the seat:
A. Stop the movement of the machine.
B. Set the parking brake.
C. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
D. Remove the key from the ignition.
Note: If the vehicle is on an incline, chock the wheels after
getting off of the vehicle.
Braking
Slow down before you approach an obstacle. This gives
you extra time to stop or turn away. Hitting an obstacle
can damage the vehicle and its contents. More
important, it can injure you and your passenger.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) has a major impact on
your ability to stop and/or turn. Heavy loads and
attachments make a vehicle harder to stop or turn. The
heavier the load, the longer it takes to stop.
Decrease the vehicle speed if the cargo box has been
removed and there is no attachment on the vehicle. The
braking characteristics change and fast stops may cause
the rear wheels to lock up, which may affect the control
of the vehicle.
Turf and pavement are much slipperier when they are
wet. It can take 2 to 4 times as long to stop on wet
surfaces as on dry surfaces. If you drive through
standing water deep enough to get the brakes wet, they
will not work well until they are dry. After driving
through water, you should test the brakes to make sure
they work properly. If they do not, drive slowly while
putting light pressure on the brake pedal. This will dry
the brakes out.
Operating on Hills
Warning
Operating the vehicle on a hill may cause tipping
or rolling of the vehicle, or the engine may stall
and you could lose headway on the hill. This could
result in personal injury.
Do not exceed slopes greater than 12 .
Do not accelerate quickly or slam on the brakes
when backing down a hill, especially with a load.
If the engine stalls or you lose headway on a hill,
slowly back straight down the hill. Never
attempt to turn the vehicle around.
Never drive across a steep hill; always drive
straight up or down or go around the hill.
Avoid turning on a hill.
Reduce your load and the speed of the vehicle.
Avoid stopping on hills, especially with a load.
These extra cautions need to be taken when operating the
vehicle on a hill:
Slow down before starting up or down a hill.
If the engine stalls or you begin to lose headway while
climbing a hill, gradually apply the brakes and slowly
back straight down the hill.
Turning while traveling up or down hills can be
dangerous. If you have to turn while on a hill, do it
slowly and cautiously. Never make sharp or fast turns.
Heavy loads affect stability. Reduce the weight of the
load and your speed when operating on hills or if the
load has a high center of gravity. Secure the load to
prevent it from shifting.
Avoid stopping on hills, especially with a load.
Stopping while going down a hill will take longer than
stopping on level ground. If the vehicle must be
stopped, avoid sudden speed changes, which may
initiate tipping or rolling of the vehicle. Do not slam on
the brakes when rolling backward, as this may cause the
vehicle to overturn.
Travel straight up and down slopes whenever possible.
We strongly recommend installing the optional ROPS
Kit when operating on hilly terrain.
Operating on Rough Terrain
Reduce speed and load when operating on rough terrain,
uneven ground, and near curbs, holes, and other sudden
changes in terrain. Loads may shift, causing the vehicle to
become unstable.
We strongly recommend installing the optional ROPS Kit
when operating on rough terrain.
Warning
Sudden changes in terrain may cause abrupt
steering wheel movement, possibly resulting in
hand and arm injuries.
Reduce your speed when operating on rough
terrain and near curbs.
Grip the steering wheel loosely around the
perimeter. Keep your hands clear of the steering
wheel spokes.
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