Briggs & Stratton 131F manual Safe Operation Practices, Preparation

Page 8

Safe Operation Practices

For Ride-On (Riding) Rotary Mower Ma- chines

Training

1.Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.

2.Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

3.Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.

4.Keep in mind that the operator or user is respon- sible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

5.Do not carry passengers.

6.All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical instruction. Such instruction should emphasize:

a.the need for care and concentration when working with ride-on machines;

b.control of a ride--on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake. The main reasons for loss of control are:

insufficient wheel grip;

being driven too fast;

inadequate braking

the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;

lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions, especially slopes;

incorrect hitching and load distribution.

Preparation

1.While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

2.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment will be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine.

3.WARNING-Petrol is highly flammable.

a.Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.

b.Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuelling.

c.Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.

d.If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapours have dissipated

e.Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.

4.Replace faulty silencers.

5.Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.

6.On multi-blade machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.

Operation

1.Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

2.Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

3.Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.

4.Do not use on slopes of more than 10 degrees.

5.Remember there is no such thing as a “safe” slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against overturning:

a.do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;

b.engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear, especially when travelling downhill;

c.machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight turns;

d.stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;

e.never mow across the face of the slope, un- less the mower is designed for this purpose.

6.Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

a.Use only approved drawbar hitch points.

b.Limit loads to those you can safely control.

c.Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.

d.Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in the Instruction Book.

7.Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

8.Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.

8

Image 8
Contents 13/30 Page Tabl e of Contents Safety Warning Pictorials Operation Pictorials International PictorialsIdentification Numbers CE Identification Tag MarkingsLimited Warranty Responsibility of the Owner Owner’s InformationKnow Your Product Safe Operation Practices For Ride-On Riding Rotary Mower Ma- chines TrainingPreparation OperationMaintenance and Storage Assembly Install the Front WheelsInstall the Seat Assemble the Steering WheelAssembl e the Grass Bag Mount the Grass BagMaintenance Free Battery Assemble the Rear DeflectorCharge the Battery Install the Battery Cabl esCheck the L evel of the Mower Housing Check the TiresOperation Location of ControlsUse the Throttle Control Use the Blade Rotation ControlOperate with the Mower Housing Use the Parking BrakeChange the Cutting Height Stop the UnitClear the Connector Tube and the Extension Tube Operate on HillsUse the Grass Bagger Empty the Grass BaggerBefore Starting the Engine Start the EngineMowing and Bagging Tips Maintenance Chart Frequency Maintenance Required CommentsRemove and Install the Connector Tube General RecommendationsRemove and Install the Blade Inspect the BladeMaintenance Adjust the Blade Rotation ControlAdjust the Shift Lever Check and Adjust the ClutchCheck and Adjust the Drive Brake Remove the BatteryLevel the Mower Housing Where to LubricateCheck the Tires Replace the Motion Drive BeltRemove the Mower Housing Replace the Mower Drive BeltReplace the Fuse Storage over 30 daysOrder Replacement Parts Troubl eshooting Chart Hot engine causes a decrease in power When the clutch/brake pedal is released, belt Page Page