Toro TITAN MX5480 Operator's Manual page 5

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Disengage blades when not mowing. Stop the engine,
wait for all parts to come to a complete stop and remove
the key before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the discharge chute.
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Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
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Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
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Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
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Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
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Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
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Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
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Always follow the recommendations for use of wheel
weights or counterweights.
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Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning
is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate
the machine; seek shelter.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
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Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
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Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
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Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop
while operating on a slope.
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Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and
loss of control.
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Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires
lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
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Always keep the drive wheels engaged when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
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Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could
cause the machine to roll over.
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Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
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Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because the
mower may tip backwards.
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Be aware that loss of traction may occur going downhill.
Weight transfer to the front wheels may cause drive
wheels to slip and cause loss of braking and steering.
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Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability
of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
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Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
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Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or
water. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel
goes over the edge or if the edge caves in.
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Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
Using the Rollover Protection System
(ROPS)
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Keep the roll bar in the raised and locked position and
use the seat belt when operating the machine.
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Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly in
the event of an emergency.
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Be aware there is no rollover protection when the roll
bar is down.
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Check the area to be mowed and never fold the ROPS in
areas where there are slopes, drop offs or water.
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Lower the rollbar only when absolutely necessary. Do not
wear the seat belt with the roll bar folded down.
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Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e. branches,
doorways, electrical wires) before driving under any
objects and do not contact them.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
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Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
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Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
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Before and while backing or changing direction, look
behind, down, and side-to-side for small children.
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Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may
fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation.
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Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and
be run over or backed over by the machine.
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Never allow children to operate the machine.
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Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, end
of a fence, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block
your view of a child.
Towing
A hitch kit is available for this machine and can be obtained
by contacting an Authorized Toro Dealer. Do not tow
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