Equipment Safety Guidelines

Safety of the operator and by standards is one of the main concerns in designing and de- veloping a mower. However, every year accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions and insist those working with you, or for you, follow them.

In order to provide a better view, certain photographs or illustrations in this manual may show an assembly with a safety shield removed. However, equipment should never be op- erated in this condition. Keep all shields in place. If shield removal becomes necessary for repairs, replace the shield prior to use.

Replace any safety sign that is not readable or is missing. Location of such safety signs is indicated in this manual.

Never use alcoholic beverages or drugs that can hinder alertness or coordination while op- erating this equipment. Consult your doctor about operating this machine while taking pre- scription medications.

Under no circumstances should children under the age of 18 be allowed to work with this equipment. Do not allow persons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a thorough understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works. Review the safety instructions with all users annually.

This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The op- erator should be a responsible, properly trained and physically able person familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. If the elderly are assisting with farm work, their physical limitations need to be recognized and accommodated.

Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protective System and seat belts. (ROPS)

Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question- DON’T TRY IT.

Do not modify the equipment in any way. Unauthorized modification could result in serious injury or death and may impair the function and life of the equipment.

In addition to the design and the confirmation of this implement, including safety signs and safety equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the aware ness, concern, prudence, and proper training of personnel involved in the operation, trans port, maintenance, and storage of the machine. Refer also to safety messages and opera- tion instruction in each of the appropriate sections of the tractor and mower manuals. Pay close attention to the safety signs affixed to the tractor and the finishing mower.