Toro 74255 Operator's Manual page 4

Training
Read the Operator's Manual and other training
material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read
English it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them.
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself,
other people or property.
Preparation
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments
approved by the manufacturer.
Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasses and hearing protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire which
can be thrown by the machine.
Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
Check that operator's presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Start the engine only
from the operator's position.
Never raise mower with the blades running.
Never operate without the PTO shield, or other guards
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are functioning
properly.
Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator's position for any reason
including emptying the catchers or unclogging the
chute.
Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before changing
directions.
Slow down and use caution when crossing roads and
sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Use extreme care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Slope Operation
Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
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.
Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and
loss of control.
Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
drop–offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
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