Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 74946 Operator's Manual

Safety

Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner can
result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply
with these safety instructions, and pay attention to the
safety alert symbol , which means Caution, Warning, or
Danger—"personal safety instruction." Failure to comply
with the instructions may result in personal injury or death.
This machine was manufactured according to the appropriate
regulatory standards in effect at the time of manufacture.
Modifying this machine in any way may cause it to be out of
compliance with those standards and with the instructions in
this Operator's Manual. Modifications to this machine should
only be made by either the manufacturer or an Authorized
Toro Dealer.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet. Follow
all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents
or injuries occurring to people, or damage to property.
The addition of attachments made by other manufacturers
that do not meet American National Standards Institute
certification will cause noncompliance of this machine.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are adapted from ANSI standard
B71.4-2012.
Training
•
Read the Operator's Manual and other training material.
•
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read the manual
language, 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 people, or damage to
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: substantial
slip-resistant footwear, safety glasses, and hearing
protection. Tie back long hair and do not wear jewelry.
•
Inspect the area where the equipment is used, and remove
all objects that can be thrown by the machine.
•
Check that operator's presence controls, safety switches,
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operation
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning
is seen, or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate
the machine; seek shelter.
•
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Operate only in well-lit areas, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
•
Ensure that all drives are in neutral and that the parking
brake is engaged before starting engine. Start the engine
only from the operator's position.
•
Make sure that you have good footing while using this
machine, especially when backing up. Reduced footing
could cause slipping.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel side to side on hillsides. Turf conditions can affect
the stability of the machine. Use caution while operating
near drop-offs.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and when
changing directions on slopes.
•
Do not raise the mower deck with the blades running.
•
Do not operate the machine without the PTO shield or
other guards securely in place. Be sure that all interlocks
are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
•
Do not operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless you are using a grass catcher.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
•
Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage the
parking brake (if provided), shut off the engine before
leaving the operator's position for any reason, including
emptying the catchers or unclogging the chute.
•
Stop equipment and inspect the blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make the
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
•
Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting unit.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to ensure a
clear path.
•
Keep pets and bystanders away from an operating
machine.
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