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• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove key before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop the engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop
before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate the machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating the
mower.
• 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.
• Always follow the recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights.
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.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that
change the operating angle, as rough terrain could
overturn the machine.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to
stop while operating on a slope.
• Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding
and loss of control.
• Always keep the wheel motors engaged when going
down slopes.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because
the mower may tip backwards.
• 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.
• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a
slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly off the slope.
• Use extreme care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine and cause loss of control.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks
or water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause
rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death
or drowning.
• Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer
near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
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.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of another responsible adult, not
the operator.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
• Before and while backing or changing direction, look
behind, down, and side-to-side for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
• 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 mower.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, the end of a fence or other objects that
may obscure vision.
Towing
A hitch kit is available for this machine and can be
obtained by contacting an Authorized Toro Dealer.
Do not tow without first installing this manufacturer
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