Operating Tips - Toro 03170 Operator's Manual

Operating Tips

General Tips for Model 03171
DANGER
The mower has a unique traction system that will
allow the machine to move forward on side hills,
even if the uphill wheel should come off of the
ground. If this should happen, the operator or any
bystanders could be seriously injured or killed in a
rollover.
The slope angle at which the machine will tip is
dependent on many factors. Among these are
mowing conditions such as wet or undulating turf,
speed (especially in turns), position of the cutting
units (with Sidewinder), tire pressure, and operator
experience.
At side hill angles of 15 degrees or less, the risk
of a rollover is low. As the slope angle increases
to a recommended maximum limit of 25 degrees,
the risk of a rollover increases to a moderate level.
Do not exceed a 20 degree side hill slope angle
because the risk of a rollover and serious injury or
death is very high.
To determine which hills or slopes you may safely
operate on, you must conduct a site survey of
the mowing area. When performing this site
survey, always use common sense and take into
consideration the turf condition and the rollover
risk. To determine which hills or slopes may be
safely operated on, use the inclinometer provided
with each machine. To perform a site survey, lay
a 4 ft 2 x 4 (1.25 m plank) on the slope surface
and measure the angle of the slope. The 2 x
4 will average the slope but will not take into
consideration dips or holes which can cause a
sudden change in side hill angle. The maximum
side hill angle should not be greater than 20
degrees.
Additionally, the machine is equipped with an
angle indicator mounted on the steering tube. This
indicates the side hill angle the machine is on and
identifies the recommended maximum limit of 25
degrees.
Always wear your seat belt.
• Practice operating the machine and become
thoroughly familiar with it.
• Start the engine and run it at half idle until it warms
up. Push the throttle lever all the way forward, lift
the cutting units, disengage the parking brake, press
the forward traction pedal, and carefully drive to
an open area.
• Practice moving forward and reverse, and starting
and stopping the machine. To stop, take your foot
off of the traction pedal and let it return to neutral
or press down on the reverse pedal to stop. Going
down a hill, you may need to use the reverse pedal
to stop.
• When driving on slopes, drive slowly to maintain
steering control and avoid turns to prevent rollovers.
In side hill situations you should shift the sidewinder
cutting units to the uphill side to give you more
stability. Conversely, shifting the cutting units to
the down hill side will give you less stability. This
should always be done before going on a side hill.
• When possible, mow up and down hills rather than
across them. Have the cutting units lowered when
going down a hill to maintain steering control. Do
not attempt to turn on a hill.
• Practice driving around obstacles with the cutting
units up and down. Be careful when driving
between narrow objects so that you do not damage
the machine or cutting units.
• On the Sidewinder unit, get a feel for the reach of
the cutting units so that you do not hang them up
or damage them in any way.
• Do not shift the units from side to side, unless the
cutting units are down and the machine is moving,
or the cutting units are up in the transport position.
Shifting the cutting units when they are down and
the machine is not moving may damage the turf.
• Always drive slowly in rough areas.
• If a person appears in or near the operating area,
stop the machine, and do not start it again until the
area is cleared. The machine is designed for one
person. Never let anyone else ride on the machine
with you. This is extremely dangerous and could
result in serious injury.
• Accidents can happen to anyone. The most
common causes are excessive speed, sudden turns,
terrain (not knowing which slopes and hills can
be mowed safely), not stopping the engine before
leaving the operator's seat, and drugs that impair
your alertness. Cold capsules or prescription drugs
may cause drowsiness, as can alcohol and other
drugs. Stay alert and stay safe. Failure to do so
could result in serious injury.
• The Sidewinder offers up to a maximum of 13
inches (33 cm) of overhang, allowing you to trim
closer to the edge of sand traps and other obstacles,
while at the same time keeping the tractor tires as
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