Slope Safety - Toro TX 427 Operation And Safety Manual

•
Use your full attention while operating the
machine. Do not engage in any activity that
causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property
damage may occur.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to
ensure that the path is clear.
•
Never jerk the controls; use a steady motion.
•
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents that may cause personal injury or
property damage.
•
Wear appropriate clothing including gloves, eye
protection, long pants, substantial slip-resistant
footwear, and hearing protection. Tie back long
hair and do not wear loose clothing or loose
jewelry.
•
Do not operate the machine when you are tired, ill,
or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Never carry passengers and keep pets and
bystanders away from the machine.
•
Operate the machine only in good light, keeping
away from holes and hidden hazards.
•
Ensure that all the drives are in neutral and engage
the parking brake (if equipped) before starting the
engine. Start the engine only from the operator's
position.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Watch for
traffic.
•
Stop the attachment when you are not working.
•
Stop the machine, shut off the engine, remove
the key, and inspect the machine if you strike
an object. Make any necessary repairs before
resuming operation.
•
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended.
•
Before leaving the operating position, do the
following:
– Park the machine on a level surface.
– Lower the loader arms and disengage the
auxiliary hydraulics.
– Engage the parking brake (if equipped).
– Shut off the engine and remove the key.
•
Do not operate the machine when there is the risk
of lightning.
•
Operate the machine only in areas where there is
sufficient clearance for you to safely maneuver.
Be aware of obstacles in close proximity to you.
Failure to maintain adequate distance from trees,
walls, and other barriers may result in injury as the
machine backs up during operation if you are not
attentive to the surroundings.
•
Check for overhead clearance (i.e., electrical
wires, branches, and doorways) before driving
under any objects and do not contact them.
•
Do not overfill the attachment and always keep the
load level when raising the loader arms. Items in
the attachment could fall and cause injury.

Slope Safety

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Operate the machine up and down slopes with
the heavy end of the machine uphill. Weight
distribution changes with attachments. An empty
bucket makes the rear of the machine the heavy
end, and a full bucket makes the front of the
machine the heavy end. Most other attachments
make the front of machine the heavy end.
•
Raising the loader arms on a slope affects the
stability of the machine. Keep the loader arms in
the lowered position when on slopes.
•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. Operating the machine on any
slope or uneven terrain requires extra caution.
•
Establish your own procedures and rules for
operating on slopes. These procedures must
include surveying the site to determine which
slopes are safe for machine operation. Always
use common sense and good judgment when
performing this survey.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Ground
conditions can affect the stability of the machine.
•
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the
machine loses traction, proceed slowly, straight
down the slope.
•
Avoid turning on slopes. If you must turn, turn
slowly and keep the heavy end of the machine
uphill.
•
Keep all movements on slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction.
•
If you feel uneasy operating the machine on a
slope, do not do it.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps, as uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
•
Use caution when operating on wet surfaces.
Reduced traction could cause sliding.
•
Evaluate the area to ensure that the ground is
stable enough to support the machine.
•
Use caution when operating the machine near the
following:
– Drop-offs
– Ditches
– Embankments
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