•
Never operate the machine with damaged guards or
without guards in place. Be sure that all guards are
functioning properly.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position:
– Stop the machine on level ground.
– Engage the parking brake.
– Turn the engine speed to idle, and allow it to run for
10 to 20 seconds.
– Shut off the engine.
•
Shut off the engine:
– Before fueling;
– Before checking, cleaning, or working on the machine;
– After striking a foreign object or if an abnormal
vibration occurs. Inspect the machine for damage
and make repairs before starting again and operating
the machine.
•
Reduce the throttle setting before shutting off the engine
and turn off the fuel-shutoff valve at the conclusion of
operation.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the rollers.
•
Do not operate the machine when ill, tired, or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you see
lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not operate the
machine; seek shelter.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or
out of a trailer or a truck.
Safe Handling of Fuels
•
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only an approved fuel container.
•
Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
•
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground, away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment with a portable container rather than from a
fuel dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
•
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
•
Never overfill the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap and
tighten it securely.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Close the fuel-shutoff valve while storing or transporting
the machine. Do not store fuel near flames or drain fuel
indoors.
•
Park the machine on level ground. Engage the parking
brake and chock the trailer wheels as required. Never
allow untrained personnel to service the machine.
•
Use jack stands to support components when required.
•
Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
•
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure that the
machine is in safe working condition. Replace all worn or
damaged nuts, bolts, and screws.
•
Never store the machine with fuel in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing the machine in
any enclosure, and do not store it near a flame.
•
To reduce the risk of fire, keep the engine, silencer, and
fuel-storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
•
Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware
and hydraulic fittings tightened. Replace all worn or
damaged parts and decals.
•
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
•
Be careful while adjusting the machine to prevent
entrapment of the fingers between moving and fixed
parts of the machine.
•
Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark-plug wire.
Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning,
or repairing.
•
Clean grass and debris from rollers, drives, mufflers, and
engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
•
Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.
If possible, do not make adjustments with the engine
running.
Hauling
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or
out of a trailer or a truck.
•
Use full-width ramps for loading or unloading the
machine into or out of a trailer or a truck.
•
Tie the machine down securely using straps, chains, cable,
or ropes. Both front and rear straps should be directed
down and outward from the machine.
5