Toro 71209 Operator's Manual page 4

• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
• Do not use on slopes of more than
– 5_ when mowing on side hills;
– 10_ when mowing uphill;
– 15_ when mowing downhill.
• 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
lawnmower 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
lawnmower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower 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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