While Operating - Toro 30450 Operator's Manual

Safety
The GROUNDSMASTER 455-D was tested and
certified by TORO for compliance with the B71.4-1990
specifications of the American National Standards
Institute. Although hazard control and accident
prevention partially are dependent upon the design and
configuration of the machine, these factors are also
dependent upon the awareness, concern, and proper
training of the personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance, and storage of the machine.
Improper use or maintenance of the machine can result
in injury or death. To reduce the potential for injury or
death, comply with the following safety instructions.
Before Operating
Read and understand the contents of this manual before
starting and operating the machine. Become familiar
with the controls and know how to stop the machine
and engine quickly.
Never allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate machine without proper
instruction. Only trained operators who have read this
manual should operate this machine.
Never operate the machine when under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
Keep all shields, safety devices and decals in place. If a
shield, safety device or decal is defective, illegible or
damaged, repair or replace it before operating the
machine. Also tighten any loose nuts, bolts or screws to
ensure machine is in safe operating condition.
Always wear substantial shoes. Do not operate machine
while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers or when
barefoot. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
get caught in moving parts and possibly cause personal
injury. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, long pants
and a helmet is advisable and required by some local
ordinances and insurance regulations.
Assure interlock switches are adjusted correctly so
engine cannot be started unless traction pedal is in
Neutral and cutting unit is Disengaged.
Remove all debris or other objects that might be picked
up and thrown by the blades or fast moving components
from other attached implements. Keep all bystanders
away from operating area.
Since diesel fuel is highly flammable, handle it
carefully:
– Use an approved fuel container.
– Do not remove fuel tank cap while engine is hot or
running.
– Do not smoke while handling fuel.
– Fill fuel tank outdoors and only to within an inch
from the top of the tank, not the filler neck. Do not
overfill.
– Wipe up any spilled fuel.

While Operating

Sit on the seat when starting and operating the machine.
Before starting the engine:
A. Engage the parking brake.
B. Make sure traction pedal is in NEUTRAL and
cutting decks are DISENGAGED. Move axle shift
to HI or LO position.
C. After engine is started, release parking brake and
keep foot off traction pedal. Machine must not
move. If movement is evident, the neutral return
mechanism is adjusted incorrectly; therefore, shut
engine off and adjust until machine does not move
when traction pedal is released. Refer to Adjusting
Traction Drive for Neutral.
Seating capacity is one person. Therefore, never carry
passengers.
Do not run engine in a confined area without adequate
ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and could
possibly be deadly.
Check interlock switches daily for proper operation. Do
not rely entirely on safety switches - use common sense.
If a switch fails, replace it before operating the
machine. The interlock system is for your protection, so
do not bypass it. Replace all interlock switches every
two years.
Using the machine demands attention and to prevent
loss of control:
– Operate only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
– Drive slowly. Avoid sudden stops and starts.
– Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
– Look behind machine before backing up.
– Do not drive close to a sand trap, ditch, creek or
other hazard.
– Reduce speed when making sharp turns and turning
on a hillside.
Traverse slopes carefully. Do not start or stop suddenly
when traveling uphill or downhill. Never shift axle
when moving. Machine must be on a flat surface and/or
brakes must be engaged to prevent freewheeling.
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