Slope Safety - Toro MH-400SH2 Operator's Manual

•
Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits of
the machine or the tow vehicle.
•
The stability of loads can vary—for example, high
loads have a higher center of gravity. Reduce the
maximum load limits to ensure better stability, if
necessary.
•
To avoid causing the machine to tip over, do the
following:
– Carefully monitor the height and weight of the
load. Higher and heavier loads can increase
the risk of tipping.
– Distribute the load evenly, from front to back
and side to side.
– Be careful when turning and avoid unsafe
maneuvers.
– Always ensure that the machine is connected
to the tow vehicle before loading.
– Do not put large or heavy objects into the
hopper. This could damage the belt and
rollers. Also ensure that the load has a uniform
texture. Small rocks in the sand can become
projectiles.
•
Do not stand behind the machine when unloading
or spreading. The optional twin spinner, cross
conveyor, and processor can eject particles and
dust at a high speed.
•
Unload the machine or disconnect it from the tow
vehicle while on a level surface.
•
Ensure that the machine is connected to the tow
vehicle before unloading.
•
Do not travel with the machine in the fully raised
position. This increases the risk of tipping over
the machine.
•
The machine has a safe range for traveling with
attachments as shown by the green section in the
decal.
•
Do not travel with the machine in the caution range
(yellow/black). When there are no attachments
on the machine, travel with the machine in the
lowered position.
•
Shut off the machine when approaching people,
vehicles, vehicle crossings, or pedestrian
crossings.
•
Do not operate the machine with the weight case
removed or out of position.
•
When equipped, hydraulic trailer brakes may
overheat the fluid in the hydraulic circuit if the
brakes remain activated continuously. Always use
a lower speed gear selection when descending
long hills. Activate the brakes intermittently to
allow for cooling cycles for both the vehicle and
the topdresser.

Slope Safety

•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and rollover accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. You are responsible for safe slope
operation. Operating the machine on any slope
requires extra caution. Before using the machine
on a slope, do the following:
•
Evaluate the site conditions to determine if the
slope is safe for machine operation, including
surveying the site. Always use common sense
and good judgment when performing this survey.
•
Review the slope instructions listed below for
operating the machine on slopes and to determine
whether you can operate the machine in the
conditions on that day and at that site. Changes
in the terrain can result in a change in slope
operation for the machine.
•
Use extreme caution when traveling on hills,
especially when turning.
– Traveling across hills with the machine could
result in a tip-over, or a loss of traction for the
traction unit or the machine.
– Always travel straight up and down hills—do
not travel sideways or diagonally. When
traveling down a hill, do not exceed the speed
at which you can travel up the same hill.
Stopping distance increases when traveling
down hills.
– Reduce the weight of the load when traveling
on steep hills and avoid piling the load high.
•
Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Use
extreme caution when operating the machine near
drop-offs, ditches, embankments, water, or other
hazards. The machine could suddenly roll over if a
wheel goes over the edge or the edge collapses.
Keep a safe distance (twice the width of the
machine) between the machine and any hazard.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on
slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or
direction; turn slowly and gradually.
•
Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering, or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet
grass, across slopes, or downhill may cause the
machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the
drive wheels may result in sliding and a loss of
braking and steering. The machine can slide even
if the drive wheels are stopped.
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