•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage
all blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
•
Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To
guard against overturning:
– do not stop or start suddenly when on a slope;
– use slow speeds on slopes and during tight
turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other
hidden hazards;
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
•
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing
surfaces other than grass.
•
When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
•
Never operate the machine with damaged guards,
shields, or without safety protective devices in
place.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speed may increase the hazard of
personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position:
– disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
– set the parking brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.
•
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine,
and remove the ignition key:
– before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
– before checking, cleaning or working on the
machine;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
machine for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately).
•
Do not operate the machine under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do
not operate the machine; seek shelter.
•
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting
or not in use.
•
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
before refueling.
Rollover Protection System
(ROPS)/Cab—Use and
Maintenance
•
The ROPS/Cab is an integral and effective safety
device. Use the seat belt when operating the
machine.
•
Be certain that the seat belt can be released
quickly in the event of an emergency.
•
Check carefully for overhead clearances (i.e.
branches, doorways, electrical wires) before
driving under any objects and do not contact them.
•
Keep the ROPS/Cab in safe operating condition
by periodically thoroughly inspecting for damage
and keeping all mounting fasteners tight.
•
Replace a damaged ROPS/Cab. Do not repair or
revise.
•
Do not remove the ROPS/Cab.
•
Any alterations to a ROPS/Cab must be approved
by the manufacturer.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
•
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer/muffler, battery compartment and fuel
storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive
grease.
•
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
•
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
•
On multi-bladed machines, take care as manually
rotating one blade can cause other blades to
rotate.
•
When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the mower deck.
Hauling
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•
Use full width ramps for loading machine into
trailer or truck.
•
Tie the machine down securely using straps,
chains, cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps
5