This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a message intended to provide a reasonable degree of PERSONAL SAFETY for operators and other persons during the normal operation and servicing of this equipment.
DANGER – denotes immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING - denotes a hazard or unsafe practice which COULD result in severe personal injury or death.
This manual uses two other words to highlight information. IMPORTANT calls attention to special mechanical information and NOTE: emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.
All operators/mechanics should read this manual, or be instructed about safe operating and maintenance procedures. This is the owner’s responsibility.
Improper use or maintenance by the operator, mechanic, or owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety alert ▲ symbol, which means DANGER or WARNING - “personal safety instructions.” Failure to comply with the instructions may result in personal injury or death.
Incorrect usage of this machine may result in severe injury. Personnel operating and maintaining it should be trained in the proper use and should read the manuals completely and thoroughly before attempting to set-up, operate, adjust, or service this machine.
The Quick Reference Decals, located in front of and to the right of the seat, are designed to give the operator/mechanic brief information needed in the daily operation and service of the machine. These decals are not intended to be used in place of this manual but instead is to be used as an extension of this manual. These decals should not be removed or obliterated. Replace these decals if they become unreadable.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the operator/mechanic reads and understands this manual and all decals before operating this machine. It is also the owner’s responsibility to make certain that the operator/mechanic is a qualified and physically able individual, properly trained in the operation of this equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator/mechanic.
The owner should also ensure that the operator/mechanic know that they are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of other persons within the vicinity. Remember, the operator/mechanic is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
Safe Maintenance & Adjustment Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
▲Unless specifically required, DO NOT have engine running when servicing or making adjustments to tractor. Place control levers in the park brake position, disengage deck clutch, remove ignition switch key and disconnect the negative battery cable. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should be performed by trained personnel only. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure proper ventilation is available when engine must be operated in an enclosed area.
▲Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses are tightly secured and bolts are tightened.
▲Keep your machine clean and remove any deposits of trash and clippings, which can cause engine fires and hydraulic overheating as
well as excessive belt wear. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
▲Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by keeping engine compartment, battery, fuel line, fuel tank and operator’s station clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.
▲Always wear adequate ear protection, such as earplugs, when operating this equipment as prolonged exposure to uncomfortable or loud noises can cause impairment or loss of hearing. Do not wear radios or music headphones while operating the machinery. Safe operation requires your full attention.
▲Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is running.
▲Except when changing or checking belt, always keep belt covers on mower for safety as well as cleanliness.
▲Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the discharge chute with the engine running. Turn off the engine and be sure the blades have stopped before cleaning. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area.
Never use your hand!
▲Exercise caution when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer or truck.
▲Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the mower.
▲Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in switch, especially with children present.
▲Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.
▲Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing the battery, hydraulic system or when grinding mower blades and removing accumulated debris.
▲Use extra caution when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
▲Never refuel tractor while engine is running; never refuel near an open flame or near devices which can create a spark. Refuel outdoors preferably, or in well ventilated areas.
▲Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong odor of gasoline fumes present. Locate and correct cause.
▲Never run the engine in an enclosed area unless exhaust is vented to the outside. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which is odorless and deadly poison.
▲Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to the tractor drive system, mower deck or any attachment while the tractor engine is running or deck clutch is engaged. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should be performed by trained personnel only.
▲Never work under the machine or attachment unless it is safely supported with jack stands. Make certain machine is secure when it is raised and placed on the jack stands. The jack stands should not allow the machine to move when the engine is running and the drive wheels are rotating. Use only certified jack stands. Use only appropriate jack stands, with a minimum weight rating of 2000 pounds to block the unit up. Use in pairs only. Follow the instructions supplied with the vehicle stands.
▲Before working on or under the deck, make certain engine cannot be accidentally started. Shut engine off and remove ignition switch key for maximum safety. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should be performed by trained personnel only.
▲Use a stick or similar instrument to clean under the mower making sure that no part of the body, especially arms and hands are under mower.
▲Exercise caution when working under the deck as the mower blades are extremely sharp. Wearing gloves or wrapping the blade(s) is advisable when working around or with the blades.
▲Do not touch hot parts of machine.
▲Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good condition.
▲Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
