Safe Operating Practices
Some of the following safety instructions are from ANSI Standard B- 71.4-2004 while others are specific to the Hustler Mid Mount Z line.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
Operation
▲Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.
▲Never leave a running machine unattended. Always stop on level ground, disengage deck clutch, place steering control levers in park brake position, stop tractor engine, and remove ignition key before leaving operator’s seat for any reason including emptying the catcher or unclogging the chute.
▲Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
▲Always remain seated while operating machine.
▲Always keep safety shields and covers in place, except for servicing.
▲Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets when mowing. Always stop machine if someone enters the area.
▲Always operate machine in daylight or with adequate working lights.
▲Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses are tightly secured and bolts are tightened.
▲Always observe traffic laws while driving machine from one location to another. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
▲Always be alert for hazards such as rocks, metal objects and other debris which may be thrown or entangled by mower blades. Watch out for holes or deep depressions.
▲Inspect area to be mowed for hazards such as rocks, metal objects and other debris which may be thrown or entangled by mower blades. Remove these objects before mowing.
▲Always inspect machine for damage after striking a foreign object. If damage is found, repair machine immediately. Be sure to stop on level ground, disengage deck clutch, place steering control levers in park brake position, stop tractor engine, and remove ignition key when leaving operator’s seat to inspect damage.
▲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.
▲Do not operate the equipment while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers, shorts or any type of loose fitting clothing. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts. Always wear long pants, safety glasses, ear protection and safety shoes when operating this machine.
▲Always be aware of what is behind the machine before backing up. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing up.
▲Never push forward suddenly on your control levers while the machine is in rearward motion because machine may tip backwards.
▲Never pull back suddenly on your control levers while the machine is in forward motion.
▲When moving in reverse, push forward slowly on control levers and avoid sudden movement. Rapid movement of the control levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious injury.
▲Never operate a poorly maintained machine.
▲Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in crowded or congested areas.
▲Never allow persons to operate this machine without proper instruction or allow children to operate machine. Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with these instructions to operate this machine.
▲Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is running.
▲Never carry passengers.
▲Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back towards the operator. Always disengage the blades and wait for them to stop before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
▲Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments during their operation.
▲Turn off blades when not mowing.
▲Slow down before turning.
▲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!
▲Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments during operation.
▲Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
▲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.
▲Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
▲Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.
▲If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the rear of the unit, any rapid movement of the control levers in either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause serious injury.
▲Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by keeping engine compartment, exhaust area, 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 buckle seat belt, if provided with one, and only if a ROPS is installed properly, before starting tractor.
Using a ramp
▲Use extreme caution when loading and unloading a unit onto a truck or trailer with a ramp.
▲Use only a single, full width ramp; do not use individual ramps for each side of the unit. Having a full width ramp provides a surface for the tractor frame to contact if the unit starts to tip backwards. It also reduces the risk of a wheel going off and the machine tipping over.
▲Do not exceed a 15 degree angle between the ramp and the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.
▲When on a ramp avoid sudden acceleration
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor in loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it; do not mow it. REMINDER: Only operate on slopes of 15 degrees or less.
▲Use extreme caution when operating on slopes.
•Be extremely careful changing directions on a slope. Slow down.
•Do not operate where the machine could slip or tip.
•Turn slowly
•Turn on the most level part of the slope
•To maximize traction, it is better to turn the front of the machine uphill, rather than downhill. If drive tires lose traction, steering control is lost which could cause serious injury or death.
•If it becomes necessary to turn downhill, turn slowly and gradually, if possible.
▲Do not remove or modify the stabilizer wheels.
▲Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
▲Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.