Safety; Safe Operation Practices For; Lawn Mowers - Toro 71209 Operator's Manual

Safety

Safe Operation Practices
for Ride-on (Riding) Rotary

Lawn Mowers

Read and understand the contents of this manual
before operating the tractor.
The following instructions are from the CEN
standard EN 836:1997.
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
Training
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the lawn mower.
Local regulations can restrict the age of the
operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children,
or pets are nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring
to other people or their property.
• Do not carry passengers.
• All drivers should seek and obtain professional
and practical instruction. Such instruction
should emphasize:
– the need for care and concentration when
working with ride-on machines;
– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a
slope will not be regained by the application
of the brake. The main reasons for loss of
control are:
◊ insufficient wheel grip;
◊ being driven too fast;
◊ inadequate braking;
◊ the type of machine is unsuitable for its
task;
◊ lack of awareness of the effect of
ground conditions, especially slopes;
◊ incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. Do not operate
the equipment when barefoot or wearing open
sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all objects
which may be thrown by the machine.
• Warning—Fuel is highly flammable.
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed
for this purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke
while refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel
while the engine is running or when the
engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from
the area of spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors have
dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tanks and container caps
securely.
• Replace faulty silencers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that
the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly
are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or
damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve
balance.
• 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.
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