Toro 23512 Operator's Manual

– Stop the machine on level ground.– Shut off the engine.– Engage the parking brake.– Wait for all moving parts to stop.– Raise the blades.• Do not operate the machine when there is the riskof lightning.• Do not change the governor speed or overspeedthe engine.• Use only accessories and attachments approvedby Toro.Slope Safety• Slopes are a major factor related to loss of controland rollover accidents, which can result in severeinjury or death. You are responsible for safe slopeoperation. Operating the machine on any sloperequires extra caution.• Evaluate the site conditions to determine if theslope is safe for machine operation, includingsurveying the site. Always use common senseand good judgment when performing this survey.• Review the slope instructions listed below foroperating the machine on slopes and to determinewhether you can operate the machine in theconditions on that day and at that site. Changesin the terrain can result in a change in slopeoperation for the machine.• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine onslopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed ordirection. Make turns slowly and gradually.• Do not operate a machine under any conditionswhere traction, steering, or stability is in question.• Remove or mark obstructions such as ditches,holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards.Tall grass can hide obstructions. Uneven terraincould overturn the machine.• Be aware that operating the machine on wetgrass, across slopes, or downhill may cause themachine to lose traction. Loss of traction to thedrive wheels may result in sliding and a loss ofbraking and steering.• Use extreme caution when operating the machinenear drop-offs, ditches, embankments, waterhazards, or other hazards. The machine couldsuddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edgeor the edge caves in. Establish a safety areabetween the machine and any hazard.• Identify hazards at the base of the slope.Starting the Machine1. Ensure that the blade-control bail is in the OFFposition.2. Move the engine switch to the ON position, andopen the fuel-shutoff valve.3. Move the choke lever to the left if you arestarting a cold engine.Note: A warm or hot engine may not requirechoking.4. Move the throttle lever midway between theSLOW (turtle) and FAST (rabbit) positions.5. Pull the recoil-start handle sharply to start theengine.6. After the engine starts, gradually move thechoke to the right.Note: If the engine stalls or hesitates, move thechoke left again until the engine warms up.7. Move the throttle lever to the desired setting.Shutting Off the Machine1. Bring the machine to a full stop.2. Release the blade-control bail. The blades stop,and the engine continues to run.3. Place the throttle midway between the SLOWand FAST positions.4. Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 15seconds, then turn the engine on/off switch tothe OFF position to shut off the engine.Important: In an emergency, shut off theengine immediately.5. Close the fuel-shutoff valve.6. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leavingthe operator’s position.14