SAFETY
Protect Children
•Death or serious injury can occur when young children associate having fun with a lawn mowing machine simply because someone has given them a ride on a machine.
•Children are attracted to lawn mowing machines and mowing activities. They don’t understand the dangers of rotating blades or the fact that the operator is unaware of their presence.
•Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.
•Tragic accidents with children can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children, especially when a child approaches a machine from behind. Before and while backing up, stop mower blades and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially for children.
•Never carry children on a machine or attachment, even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. They can fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
•Never use the machine as a recreational vehicle or to entertain children.
•Never allow children or an untrained person operate the machine. Instruct all operators not to give children a ride on the machine or in an attachment.
•Keep children indoors, out of the mowing area, and in the watchful eye of a responsible adult, other than the operator, when a mower is being operated.
•Stay alert to the presence of children. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Turn the machine off if a child enters the work area.
Avoid Tipping
•Slopes are a major factor related to
•If you feel uneasy on a hillside, do not mow it.
•Mow across slopes, not up and down.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
•Do not mow or operate machine on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
•Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly, straight down the slope.
•Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.
•Use extra care while operating machine with grasscatchers or other attachments, they can affect stability of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
•Do not mow near
•Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights for added stability when operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted attachments. Remove weights when not required.
•Drive machine very slowly and avoid quick stops when attachment is removed.
•Transport machine with decks lowered to improve stability.
Use Seat Belt Properly
•Use a seat belt when operating with the folding
•Do not use a seat belt when operating with the folding ROPS in the folded position. Return the folding ROPS to the upright position as soon as possible.
•Never modify, disassemble or attempt to repair the seat belt.
•Replace entire seat belt if mounting hardware, buckle, belt, or retractor show signs of damage.
•Inspect seat belt and mounting hardware at least once a year. Look for signs of loose hardware or belt damage, such as cuts, fraying, extreme or unusual wear, discoloration, or abrasion. Replace only with replacement parts approved by your Great Dane.
•Layers of heavy clothing can interfere with proper positioning of the seat belt and can reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt.
Keep ROPS Installed Properly
•Make certain all parts of the ROPS are installed correctly if the ROPS structure is loosened or removed for any reason. All ROPS hardware should be tightened to the proper torque per manufacturer’s recommendations.
•Any alteration of the ROPS must be approved by the manufacturer. The protection provided by the ROPS will be impaired if the ROPS is subjected to structural damage, is involved in an overturn incident, or is in any way altered by welding, bending, drilling, or cutting.
•Never attempt to repair a damaged or altered ROPS. It must be replaced to maintain the manufacturer’s certification of the structure.
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