Maintenance - Toro 12003 Operator's Manual

Loading and Dumping
The weight and position of the cargo and passenger can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle handling.
To avoid loss of control and personal injury, follow these
guidelines:
Do not carry loads which exceed the load limits
described on the vehicle weight label; refer to
Specifications, page 11, for vehicle weight limits. The
load rating is for level surfaces only.
Reduce the weight of the load when operating on hills
and rough terrain to avoid tipping or overturning of the
vehicle.
Reduce the weight of the load if the center of gravity is
high. Items such as bricks, fertilizer, or landscape
timbers stack higher in the box. The higher a load is
stacked, the more likely the vehicle is to tip over.
Distribute the load as low as possible, making sure that
the load does not affect rear visibility.
Position the weight of the load evenly from side to side.
If you position the load toward one of the sides, the
vehicle is more likely to tip over while turning.
Position the weight of a load evenly from front to back.
If you position the load behind the rear axle, it will
reduce the weight on the front wheels. This may result
in a loss of steering control or cause the vehicle to tip
over on hills or bumpy terrain.
Use extra caution if the load exceeds the dimensions of
the box and when handling off-center loads that cannot
be centered. Keep loads balanced and secure to prevent
them from shifting.
Always secure loads so that they do not shift. If a load
is not secured, or you are transporting a liquid in a large
container such as a sprayer, the load can shift. This
shifting happens most often while turning, going up or
down hills, suddenly changing speeds, or while driving
over rough surfaces. Shifting loads can cause the
vehicle to tip over.
Warning
The weight of the box may be heavy. Hands or
other body parts could be crushed.
Keep hands and other body parts clear when
lowering the box.
Do not dump materials on bystanders.
Never dump a loaded cargo box while the vehicle is
sideways on a hill. The change in weight distribution
may cause the vehicle to overturn.
When operating with a heavy load in the cargo box,
reduce your speed and allow for sufficient braking
distance. Do not suddenly apply the brakes. Use extra
caution on slopes.
Be aware that heavy loads increase your stopping
distance and reduce your ability to turn quickly without
tipping over.
The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers.
Never overload your vehicle. The name plate (located
under dash on center column) shows load limits for the
vehicle. Never overload the attachments or exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

Maintenance

Before servicing or making adjustments to the machine,
stop the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the
key from the ignition to prevent someone from
accidentally starting the engine.
To make sure the entire machine is in good condition,
keep all nuts, bolts, and screws properly tightened.
To reduce potential fire hazard, keep the engine area
free of excessive grease, grass, leaves, and
accumulation of dirt.
Never use an open flame to check the level or leakage
of fuel or battery electrolyte.
If the engine must be running to perform a maintenance
adjustment, keep hands, feet, clothing, and any parts of
the body away from the engine and any moving parts.
Keep everyone away.
Do not use open pans of fuel or flammable cleaning
fluids for cleaning parts.
If repairs are ever needed or assistance is required,
contact an Authorized Toro Dealer.
To be sure of optimum performance and safety, always
purchase genuine Toro replacement parts and
accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by
other manufacturers could be dangerous. Altering this
vehicle in any manner may affect vehicle operation,
performance, or durability. This may result in injury or
death. Such use could void the product warranty.
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