Husqvarna 850 Safety Instructions, Safe operation practices for ride-on mowers, General operation

E	SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
	! 1. Safety rules, USA nomenclature !
	Safe operation practices for ride-on mowers

IMPORTANT!

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to ob- serve the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

I.General operation

1.Read, understand and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before start- ing.

2.Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

3.Clear the area of objects such as stones, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

4.Be sure the working area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

5.Never carry passengers.

6.Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

7.Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

8.Slow down before turning.

9.Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine and remove keys before dismounting.

10.Turn off blades when not mowing.

11.Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

12.Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

13.Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

14.Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

15.Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

II.Slope operation

Slopes are a major factor related to 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.

DO

Mow up and down slopes, not across. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and pro- ceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embandments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

III. Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

2.Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

3.Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

4.Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

5.Never allow children to operate the machine.

6.Use extra care when approaching blind cor- ners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.

2 – English