Toro 07200 Operator's Manual page 22

Operating
OPERATING
CHARACTERISTICS
The vehicle is designed with safety in mind. It has
four wheels for added stability. It uses familiar auto-
motive style controls, including the steering wheel,
brake pedal, clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, and gear
shifter. It is important to remember, however, that
this vehicle is not a passenger car. It is a work vehi-
cle and not designed for use on roadways.
The vehicle has special tires, low-gear ratios, a lock-
ing differential, and other features that give it extra
traction. These features add to the versatility of the
vehicle but they can also get you into dangerous situ-
ations. You must remember that the vehicle is not a
recreation vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle. And it is
definitely not meant for "stunt driving". It is a work
vehicle, not a play vehicle. Do not allow children
should to operate the vehicle. Anyone who operates
the vehicle should have a motor vehicle license.
If you are not experienced at driving the vehicle,
practice driving it in a safe area away from other
people. Be sure you are familiar with all the vehicle's
controls, particularly those used for braking, steering
and transmission shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different surfaces. Your operating skills
will improve with experience, but as in operating any
vehicle, take it easy as you begin. Be sure you know
how to stop quickly in an emergency. If you need
help, ask your supervisor for assistance.
Many factors contribute to accidents. You have con-
trol over several of the most important. Your actions,
such as driving too fast for conditions, braking too
fast, turning too sharp, and combinations of these,
are frequent causes of accidents.
One of the major causes of accidents is fatigue. Be
sure to take occasional breaks. It is important that
you stay alert at all times.
Never operate the vehicle, or any equipment, if you
are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Even prescription drugs and cold medicines can
cause drowsiness. Read the label on the medicine or
check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are
unsure about a certain medication.
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One of the most important rules to follow is to go
slower in unfamiliar areas. It is surprising how much
damage and injury common things can cause. Tree
branches, fences, wires, other vehicles, tree stumps,
ditches, sand traps, streams, and other things found
in most parks and golf courses can be hazardous to
the operator and passenger.
Avoid driving when it is dark, especially in unfamil-
iar areas. If you must drive when it is dark, be sure
to drive cautiously, use the head lights, and even con-
sider adding additional lights.
PASSENGERS
Whenever you have a passenger riding in the vehicle
make sure he or she is holding on securely. Drive
slower and turn less sharply because your passenger
does not know what you intend to do next and may
not be prepared for turning, stopping, accelerating,
and bumps.
You and your passenger should remain seated at all
times, keeping arms and legs inside the vehicle. The
operator should keep both hands on steering wheel,
whenever possible and passenger should use the
hand holds provided.
There should never be passengers in the dump box or
on any attachments. The vehicle is meant to have one
driver and only one passenger-no more.
SPEED
Speed is one of the most important variables leading
to accidents. Driving too fast for the conditions can
cause you to lose control and have an accident.
Speed can also make a minor accident worse.
Driving head-on into a tree at slow speed can cause
injury and damage, but, driving into a tree at high
speed can destroy the vehicle and kill you and your
passenger.
Never drive too fast for the conditions. If there is
any doubt about how fast to drive, slow down.
When using heavy attachments (more than 500 kg),