Safe Operation on Rough Terrain
1. Drive the mower slowly on hillsides and curves to eliminate the danger of tipping. Avoid
slopes which are too steep for safe operation. Avoid sharp uphill turns.
2. Always drive slowly enough over rough ground or obstructions. Drive at speeds slows enough
to ensure your safety.
3. When driving out of a ditch, gully, or up a steep hillside, engage the clutch slowly. Avoid
sharp uphill turns.
4. When descending steep grades, select a sufficiently low gear to maintain control with
minimum use of braking.
5. Use caution when driving near the edge of a ditch or gully. It may cave in, causing the mower
to roll over.
6. Be alert when operating near trees, slopes and around obstructions. Tree branches can cause
damage to ROPS components.
Maintenance Safety
1. Remove mud, crop residue, chains, and
tools from steps and operator’s
platform. They may
interfere with pedal operation or entry/exit from mower.
2. When servicing components are too high to reach from the ground use steps and handholds.
Do not use fenders or shields that are not designed as steps.
Safe Highway Operation
1. Before operating the mower on, or near, public roadways check with your local authorities
for any local regulations that will affect you.
2. Equip towed implements with slow moving vehicle (SMV) signs when traveling on public
roads.
3. Install additional lights on implement rear to safeguard against rear end collisions.
4. Use hazard warning flashers as required by law when transporting or driving on public roads.
If the mower had warning flashers removed when mounting the ROPS, they must be replaced
prior to operation on public roads.
5. Keep to the right, yielding right-of-way traffic, especially if pulling implements. Pull off the
road and stop to allow motorists to pass. Drive on the road shoulder, if permitted by law.
6. Use extreme caution when pulling heavy loads at road speeds. Avoid hard application of the
mower brakes at high speed.
7. Always drive slowly near curbs, approaches or ditches.
8. If equipped, ensure headlights are aligned so they will not blind the operators of oncoming
vehicles. If the mower is not equipped with turn signals and law requires them, install them
prior to operating on or near public roads.
June 2021 © Toro Groundsmaster 4500-D ROPS Operation Manual
