The Toro Company Information: Product Safety

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Many professionals, particularly landscape contractors, prefer the Toro ZRT – or "Z" – mowers for their efficiency and maneuverability. But mowing too close to sudden drop-offs, steep inclines, retaining walls, or unstable ground surrounding ponds and drainage ditches can cause loss of traction and control. Making these choices can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Driving in the Safety Zone
"Driving in the Safety Zone" means making choices that keep you out of high-risk situations and hazards, like steep slopes or sudden drop-offs near water. Stay off hills or surfaces with a slope greater than 15 degrees.

Maintain areas close to water with a hand trimmer or walk mower.
Avoid driving your Z mower too close to water. There may be drop-offs, the surrounding grass can be wet or slippery, or the ground might be muddy and unstable.

Give yourself plenty of clearance.
It's tempting to get as close to water or edges as you can to eliminate a little hand work. But don't sacrifice safety in the interest of saving a little time or effort. Give yourself plenty of clearance. Some people use 2 mower widths as a guide.

Safety Basics
Safety basics when operating any mowing equipment:
• wear goggles and protective hearing devices
• read the manual and safety decals
• avoid drugs and alcohol

Keep movements deliberate and steady.
ZRT mowers operate differently than traditional garden tractors. They're maneuvered with control levers rather than steering wheels. They're fast, and they can turn on a dime - that's why they're so popular. In the interest of safety, keep your speed under control and operate the control levers with smooth, even pressure.

Maneuvering Hills
Depending on the surroundings, you may feel more comfortable mowing from side to side or up and down a hill. But in either case, hills can cause loss of traction. Never drive your ZRT mower on any slopes greater than 15 degrees. Keep movements deliberate and steady. Don't make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Retaining Walls and Drop-offs
Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps or ramps are a common hazard. Give yourself plenty of clearance. Hand-trim the edges with a walk-behind mower or string trimmer.

Avoiding Tipovers
For enhanced safety, Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS) are standard equipment on all new Toro Z Masters. If your ZRT is not equipped with a ROPS, we strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your workers by speaking with your Toro distributor or dealer about installing a 2-post foldable ROPS that is certified to OSHA standards.