Maintenance And Storage - Toro 71209 Operator's Manual

• Remember there is no such thing as a safe
slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular
care. To guard against overturning:
– do not stop or start suddenly when going
up or downhill;
– engage clutch slowly, always keep machine
in gear, especially when travelling downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on
slopes and during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other
hidden hazards;
– never mow across the face of the slope,
unless the lawn mower is designed for this
purpose.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
– Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
– Limit loads to those you can safely control.
– Do not turn sharply. Use care when
reversing.
– Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in the instruction
handbook.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
• Stop the blades rotating before crossing
surfaces other than grass.
• When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders
nor allow anyone near the machine while in
operation.
• Never operate the machine with damaged
guards or without safety protective devices in
place.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.
• Before leaving the operator's position:
– disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
– change into neutral and set the parking
brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage drive to attachments, stop the
engine, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
or remove the ignition key
– before clearing blockages or unclogging
chute;
– before checking, cleaning or working on
the lawn mower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect
the lawn mower for damage and make
repairs before restarting and operating the
equipment;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately).
• Disengage drive to attachments when
transporting or not in use.
• Stop the engine and disengage drive to
attachment
– before refuelling;
– before removing the grass catcher;
– before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine
run-out and, if the engine is provided with
a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the
conclusion of mowing.

Maintenance and Storage

• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the equipment with fuel in the
tank inside a building where fumes can reach
an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer, battery compartment and fuel storage
area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should
be done outdoors.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating
one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
• When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the cutting means unless a
positive mechanical lock is used.
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