Aerator Safety - Toro 29516 Operator's Manual

Aerator Safety

The following list contains safety information specific
to Toro products and other safety information you
must know.
General Operation
•
Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e.,
branches, doorways, electrical wires, etc.) before
operating under any objects, and do not contact
them.
•
Use caution when you are riding on the platform
and driving the machine over curbs, rocks, roots,
or other obstructions.
•
Do not jerk the controls; use a steady motion.
•
Do not carry passengers.
•
Do not carry equipment on the machine.
Slope Operation
•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and rollover accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. The operator is responsible for
safe slope operation. Operating the machine on
any slope requires extra caution. Before using the
machine on a slope, do the following:
– Review and understand the slope instructions
in the manual and on the machine.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
quickly affect the operation of the machine on
a slope.
•
Operate across slopes, never up and down. Avoid
operation on excessively steep or wet slopes.
•
Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
not operate the machine near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments, water or other hazards. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe
distance (twice the width of the machine) between
the machine and any hazard. Use a walk behind
machine or a hand held tool to operate in these
areas.
1. Safe Zone: Use the machine here
2. Danger Zone: Use a walk behind machine or a hand held
tool near drop offs, ditches, embankments, water or other
hazards.
3. Water
4. W=width of the machine
5. Keep a safe distance (twice the width of the machine)
between the machine and any hazard.
•
Avoid starting, stopping or turning the machine on
slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed or
direction; turn slowly and gradually.
•
Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet
grass, across slopes or downhill may cause the
machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the
drive wheels may result in sliding and a loss of
braking and steering. The machine can slide even
if the drive wheels are stopped.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
•
Use extra care while operating with accessories or
attachments. These can change the stability of
the machine and cause a loss of control. Follow
directions for counter weights.
•
If you lose control of the machine, step off and
away from the direction of travel of the machine.
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Figure 3
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