4
•
The engine, blade, and self–propel drive
(self-propelled model) are designed to stop when the
control bails are released. Ensure that the control and
brake function properly before each use of the mower.
•
Disengage the self-propel mechanism or drive clutch
(self-propelled models) before starting the engine.
•
Before using, always visually inspect the mower to
ensure that the blades, blade fasteners, and cutter
assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or
damaged blades and fasteners in sets to preserve
balance.
While Operating
•
Do not run the engine indoors.
•
Start the engine carefully, according to instructions
and with your feet well away from the blade.
•
Always maintain secure footing. Keep a firm grip on
the handle and walk; never run. Never operate the
mower in wet grass. Mow only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
•
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Use extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Wear
skid resistant shoes on slopes.
•
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation to protect your eyes from foreign objects
that may be thrown from the mower. Wearing of
hearing protection, protective gloves, and a safety
helmet is advisable.
•
Keep face, hands, and feet away from the mower
housing and cutter blade when the engine is running.
The blade can cause injury to hands and feet. Stay
behind the handle until the engine stops.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
mower toward you.
•
Since the blade rotates for a few seconds after the
control bar is released, stay behind the handle until all
moving parts stop.
•
After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates
abnormally, stop the engine and remove the wire from
the spark plug. Check the mower for damage and
make all repairs before using it again. If major repairs
are ever needed or if assistance is desired, contact your
local Authorized Toro Service Dealer.
•
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop
before adjusting the height-of-cut.
•
Stop the blade when pushing the mower over dirt or
gravel driveways.
•
Stop the engine before leaving the operator’s position
behind the handle. Disconnect the wire from the spark
plug if the mower will be unattended.
•
Do not touch the engine while it is running or shortly
after it is stopped because it will be hot enough to
cause a burn.
•
Refuel only when the engine is cool.
•
If the mower must be lifted to be transported, turn off
the engine and stay behind the handle until all moving
parts stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and allow
the engine to cool.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Perform all maintenance procedures prescribed in this
manual. If major repairs are ever needed or if
assistance is desired, contact your Authorized Toro
Service Dealer.
•
Before the mower is cleaned, inspected, serviced, or
adjusted, stop the engine and disconnect the wire from
the spark plug. Keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent accidental starting.
•
To ensure that the mower is in safe operating
condition, frequently check and keep all nuts, bolts,
and screws tight. Ensure that the blade bolt is
tightened to 50 ft–lb (68 N
m
•
When servicing the blade, refer to the Maintaining the
Blade section, page 17. for correct installation and
servicing procedures.
•
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of
excessive grease, grass, leaves, and accumulations of
dirt.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing the mower in
any enclosure. Do not store the mower with gasoline in
the fuel tank near any open flame, or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
•
Do not overspeed the engine by changing the governor
settings.
•
At the time of manufacture, the mower conformed to
the safety standards in effect for rotary mowers. For
best performance and continued safety certification of
the mower, use genuine Toro replacement parts and
accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made
by other manufacturers may result in
non–conformance with the safety standards, and that
could be dangerous.
•
For storage instructions, refer to the Storage section on
page 22.
