Toro Z Master Professional 500 Series Operator's Manual page 19

•
Ensure that all drives are in neutral, the parking
brake is engaged, and you are in the operating
position before you start the engine.
•
Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting
units. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to be
sure of a clear path.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure your
vision.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The machine could suddenly roll
over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge
gives way.
•
Stop the blades whenever you are not mowing.
•
Stop the machine, shut off the engine, remove
the key, and inspect the blades after striking an
object or if there is an abnormal vibration in the
machine. Make all necessary repairs before
resuming operation.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks with the
machine. Always yield the right-of-way.
•
Disengage the drive to the cutting unit, shut off the
engine, and remove the key before adjusting the
height of cut (unless you can adjust it from the
operating position).
•
Never run an engine in an area where exhaust
gases are enclosed.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended.
•
Before leaving the operating position (including
to empty the catchers or to unclog the chute), do
the following:
– Stop the machine on level ground.
– Disengage the power takeoff and lower the
attachments.
– Engage the parking brake.
– Shut off the engine and remove the key.
– Wait for all moving parts to stop.
•
Do not operate the machine when there is the risk
of lightning.
•
Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle unless
it has a hitch installed.
•
Do not change the governor speed or overspeed
the engine.
•
Use only accessories and attachments approved
by Toro.
•
This machine produces sound levels in excess
of 85 dBA at the operator's ear and can cause
hearing loss through extended periods of
exposure.
1. Wear hearing protection.
Rollover Protection System
(ROPS) Safety
•
Do not remove the roll bar from the machine.
•
Ensure that the seat belt is attached and that you
can release it quickly in an emergency.
•
Always wear your seat belt when the roll bar is up.
•
Check carefully for overhead obstructions and do
not contact them.
•
Keep the roll bar in safe operating condition by
thoroughly inspecting it periodically for damage
and keeping all the mounting fasteners tight.
•
Replace a damaged roll bar. Do not repair or alter
it.
Slope Safety
•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and rollover accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. The operator is responsible for
safe slope operation. Operating the machine on
any slope requires extra caution. Before using the
machine on a slope, do the following:
– Review and understand the slope instructions
in the manual and on the machine.
– Use an angle indicator to determine the
approximate slope angle of the area.
– Never operate on slopes greater than 15
degrees.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
quickly affect the operation of the machine on
a slope.
•
Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
not operate 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. Use a walk-behind
machine or a hand trimmer to mow the grass in
these areas.
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Figure 13
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