Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 71233 Operator's Manual

Write the product model and serial numbers in the space
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Model No.
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This manual identifies potential hazards and has special
safety messages that help you and others avoid personal
injury and even death. Danger, Warning, and Caution are
signal words used to identify the level of hazard. However,
regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
Danger signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious
injury or death if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or
death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate
injury if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight information.
Important
calls attention to special mechanical
information and Note: emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.

Safety

This machine meets or exceeds the B71.1–1998
specifications of the American National Standards
Institute, in effect at the time of production. However,
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 always pay
attention to the safety alert
CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER—"personal
safety instruction." Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.1—1998.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
General Operation
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
operator's manual and on the machine before starting.
Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine.
symbol, which means
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower–related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious
.
injury
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Follow Toro's recommendations for wheel weight or
counterweights to improve stability.
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