3
Safety
Hazard control and accident prevention are dependent
upon the awareness, concern, and proper training of the
personnel involved in the operation, transport,
maintenance, and storage of the machine. Improper use
or maintenance of the machine can result in injury or
death. To reduce the potential for injury or death,
comply with the following safety instructions.
Before Operating
•
Since the Versa Vac must be towed to operate, it is
extremely important that the tow tractor be carefully
selected to assure the best performance and safe
operation.
•
The tow tractor must have the proper wheel base and
tread width and be equipped with a roll bar and seat belt
to operate safely on hilly terrain. The normal operating
speed is 6 mph but will vary with terrain and debris
being picked up. The maximum transport speed is 15
mph with slower speeds required on hilly terrain. Refer
to tractor Operator’s Manual for information or tractor
service agency if you have any questions on safe
operation.
•
The brakes of the tow tractor must have the capacity to
stop the Versa Vac with trailer fully loaded and traveling
at the maximum recommended transport speed.
•
The power take–off drive of the Versa Vac requires a
tractor with operating speeds of 540 rpm and output
power of 32 hp or higher. Do not exceed the 540 rpm
speed.
•
The Versa Vac must comply with local road
requirements, if transported on public roads. A
Slow–moving vehicle sign has been provided. Signal
lights and brakes are not provided and may be required
in some areas.
•
Read and understand the contents of this Operator’s
Manual before operating the machine. Become familiar
with all of the controls and know how to stop quickly. A
free replacement manual is available by sending the
complete Model and Serial Number to The Toro
Company, 8111 Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington,
Minnesota 55420-1196.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine. Do not
allow adults to operate machine without proper
instruction. Only trained operators who have read this
manual should operate this machine.
•
Never operate the machine when under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
•
Keep all bystanders away from the operating area.
•
Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a shield,
safety device, or decal is illegible or damaged, repair or
replace it before operation is commenced. Also tighten
any loose nuts, bolts, and screws to ensure that the
machine is in safe operating condition.
•
Do not operate the machine while wearing sandals,
tennis shoes, sneakers, or shorts. Also, do not wear
loose fitting clothing which could get caught in moving
parts. Always wear long pants and substantial shoes.
Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes, and a helmet is
advisable and required by some local ordinances and
insurance regulations.
While Operating
•
This product may exceed noise levels of 85 dB(A) at
the operator position. Hearing protection is
recommended for prolonged exposure to reduce the
potential of permanent hearing damage.
•
Using the machine demands attention. To prevent loss
of control:
–
Operate only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
–
Drive slowly and watch for holes or other hidden
hazards.
–
Do not drive close to a sand trap, ditch, creek,
embankment or other hazard.
–
Reduce your speed when making sharp turns and
when turning on hillsides.
–
Avoid sudden starts and stops.
–
Before backing up, look to the rear and ensure that
no one is behind the machine.
–
Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roads.
Always yield the right-of-way.
•
The brush, rubber fingers, flail, and vacuum of the
Versa Vac pick up and propel debris and small objects
in its path during operation. Always wear eye and head
protection to avoid possible injury from flying objects,
and keep children, pets, and bystanders well away from
the area of operation.
•
Never carry passengers on tractor or allow anyone to
ride in trailer.
•
Do not step over PTO. shaft to get to other side of
machine. Walk around trailer.
•
Never get on or off tractor with PTO. shaft engaged.
•
Always keep bystanders to the extreme right or left side
of trailer when opening rear door.
•
Park on a level surface, empty trailer and block wheels
before removing Versa Vac from prime mover.