Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 71283 Operator's Manual

Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate
injury if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
This manual uses 2 other words to highlight information.
Important calls attention to special mechanical
information and Note: emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.

Safety

Read and understand the contents of this manual before
operating the tractor.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid all possible
injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from the CEN standard
EN 836:1997.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
Training
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations
can restrict the age of the operator.
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
Do not carry passengers.
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction. Such instruction should
emphasize:
– the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-on machines;
– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will
not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are:
insufficient wheel grip;
being driven too fast;
inadequate braking;
the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions, especially slopes;
incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Preparation
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
Warning—Fuel is highly flammable.
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine
is running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Replace faulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in
sets to preserve balance.
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Do not use on slopes of more than
– 5_ when mowing on side hills;
– 10_ when mowing uphill;
– 15_ when mowing downhill.
Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel
on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard
against overturning:
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