Slope Operation; Maintenance And Storage - Toro 74978 Operator's Manual

Slope Operation

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Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
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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.
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Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and
loss of control.
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Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
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Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.
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Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
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Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
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Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change
the operating angle, as rough terrain could overturn the
machine.
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Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because the
mower may tip backwards.
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Be aware that operating on wet grass, across steep slopes,
or down hill may cause the mower to lose traction. Loss
of traction to the drive wheels may result in sliding and a
loss of braking and steering.
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Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope.
If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly off the slope.
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Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
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Use extreme care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine and cause
loss of control.
Using the Rollover Protection System
(ROPS)
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Keep the roll bar in the fully raised and locked position
and use the seat belt when operating the machine.
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Be certain that the seat belt can be released quickly in
the event of an emergency.
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Be aware there is no rollover protection when the roll
bar is down.
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Check the area to be mowed and never fold the ROPS in
areas where there are slopes, drop offs or water.
•
Lower the rollbar only when absolutely necessary. Do not
wear the seat belt with the roll bar folded down.
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Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e. branches,
doorways, electrical wires) before driving under any
objects and do not contact them.

Maintenance and storage

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Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug
wire. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing.
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Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufflers,
and engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage.
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Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
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Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store
fuel near flames or drain indoors.
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Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine.
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Use jack stands to support components when required.
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Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
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Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal
first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and
negative last.
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Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only
replace damaged blades; never straighten or weld them.
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Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible,
do not make adjustments with the engine running.
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Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away
from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting
or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothing
and use insulated tools.
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Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware
tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
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Use only Toro approved attachments. Warranty may be
voided if used with unapproved attachments.
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