Toro 20332 Operation Manual - Page 2

The enclosed Engine Owner's Manual is supplied for information regarding the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance, and warranty. Replacements may be ordered through the engine manufacturer. For models with stated engine horsepower, the gross horsepower of the engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1940. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class of lawn mower will be significantly lower. Safety This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn mowers and the B71.1 specifications of the American National Standards Institute in effect at the time of production. Read and understand the contents of this manual before you start the engine. The safety alert symbol (Figure 2) is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death. Improperly using or maintaining this mower could result in injury or death. To reduce this potential, comply with the following safety instructions. The following instructions have been adapted from the ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1-2003. This cutting machine can amputate hands and feet and throw objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. General Operation • Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. • Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate this machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, toys, etc., which could be thrown by the blade. Stay behind the handle when the engine is running. • Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Do not operate machine barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear. • Do not pull machine backward unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward. • Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces. • Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working. • Never leave a running machine unattended. • Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard. • Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light. • Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; walk; never run. • Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the engine. • If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. • Always wear eye protection when operating machine. • See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. Slope Operation Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. • Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance. 2