General Lawn Mower Safety - Toro 20837 Operator's Manual

Adjusting the Handle Height..................................... 9
Starting the Engine .................................................. 9
Using the Self-propel Drive....................................... 9
Stopping the Engine ................................................ 9
Recycling the Clippings ...........................................10
Bagging the Clippings .............................................10
Rear-discharging the Clippings .................................11
Operating Tips ......................................................11
Maintenance .................................................................12
Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s) ......................12
Preparing for Maintenance.......................................12
Servicing the Air Cleaner .........................................12
Changing the Engine Oil .........................................13
Replacing the Blade ................................................13
Cleaning under the Machine Housing ........................14
Storage ........................................................................15
Preparing the Machine for Storage ............................15
Folding the Handle .................................................15
Removing the Machine from Storage.........................15
Safety
Improperly using or maintaining this lawn mower can
result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions.
Toro designed and tested this lawn mower to offer reasonably
safe service; however, failure to comply with the following
instructions may result in personal injury.
To ensure maximum safety and best performance, and
to gain knowledge of the product, it is essential that
you and any other operator of the lawn mower read
and understand the contents of this manual before the
engine is ever started. Pay particular attention to the
safety alert symbol (Figure 2) which means Caution,
Warning, or Danger-"personal safety instruction."
Read and understand the instruction because it has to
do with safety. Failure to comply with the instruction
may result in personal injury.

General Lawn Mower Safety

The following instructions have been adapted from EN 836.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
•
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
•
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the mower. Local regulations can
restrict the age of the operator.
•
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
•
Understand explanations for all pictograms used on the
mower or in the instructions.
Gasoline
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable. Take the following
precautions.
• Store fuel in containers specifically designed for
this purpose.
• Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refueling.
• Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline
while the engine is running or when the engine
is hot.
• If gasoline is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source of
ignition until gasoline vapors have dissipated.
• Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
Preparation
•
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the machine when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be
used, and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and
other foreign objects.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that guards and
safety devices, such as deflectors and/or grass catchers,
are in place and working correctly.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts, and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in
sets to preserve balance.
Starting
Start the engine carefully, according to instructions and with
feet well away from the blade(s) and not in front of the
discharge chute.
Operation
•
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
•
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
2