Toro 07264 Operator's Manual page 7

when rolling backward, as this may cause the
vehicle to overturn.
• We strongly recommend installing the optional
ROPS Kit when operating on hilly terrain.
Operating on Rough Terrain
Reduce speed and load when operating on rough
terrain, uneven ground, and near curbs, holes, and
other sudden changes in terrain. Loads may shift,
causing the vehicle to become unstable.
We strongly recommend installing the optional
ROPS Kit when operating on rough terrain.
Sudden changes in terrain may cause abrupt
steering wheel movement, possibly resulting
in hand and arm injuries.
• Reduce your speed when operating on
rough terrain and near curbs.
• Grip the steering wheel loosely around
the perimeter. Keep your hands clear of
the steering wheel spokes.
Loading and Dumping
The weight and position of the cargo and
passenger can change the vehicle center of gravity
and vehicle handling. To avoid loss of control and
personal injury, follow these guidelines:
• Do not carry loads which exceed the load
limits described on the vehicle weight label;
refer to Specifications in Product Overview,
page 18, for vehicle weight limits. The load
rating is for level surfaces only.
• Reduce the weight of the load when operating
on hills and rough terrain to avoid tipping or
overturning of the vehicle.
• Reduce the weight of the load if the center of
gravity is high. Items such as bricks, fertilizer,
or landscape timbers stack higher in the box.
The higher a load is stacked, the more likely
the vehicle is to tip over. Distribute the load as
low as possible, making sure that the load does
not affect rear visibility.
• Position the weight of the load evenly from
side to side. If you position the load toward
one of the sides, the vehicle is more likely to
tip over while turning.
• Position the weight of a load evenly from front
to back. If you position the load behind the
rear axle, it will reduce the weight on the front
wheels. This may result in a loss of steering
control or cause the vehicle to tip over on hills
or bumpy terrain.
• Use extra caution if the load exceeds the
dimensions of the box and when handling
off-center loads that cannot be centered. Keep
loads balanced and secure to prevent them
from shifting.
• Always secure loads so that they do not shift.
If a load is not secured, or you are transporting
a liquid in a large container such as a sprayer,
the load can shift. This shifting happens most
often while turning, going up or down hills,
suddenly changing speeds, or while driving
over rough surfaces. Shifting loads can cause
the vehicle to tip over.
The weight of the box may be heavy.
Hands or other body parts could be
crushed.
– Keep hands and other body parts
clear when lowering the box.
– Do not dump materials on bystanders.
• Never dump a loaded cargo box while the
vehicle is sideways on a hill. The change in
weight distribution may cause the vehicle to
overturn.
• When operating with a heavy load in the cargo
box, reduce your speed and allow for sufficient
braking distance. Do not suddenly apply the
brakes. Use extra caution on slopes.
• Be aware that heavy loads increase your
stopping distance and reduce your ability to
turn quickly without tipping over.
• The rear cargo space is intended for load
carrying purposes only, not for passengers.
• Never overload your vehicle. The decal
(located on the rear frame) shows load limits
for the vehicle. Never overload the attachments
or exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
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