Safety Precautions
Safe Operation Practices For Ride-On Mowers
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Your complete and unimpaired attention is required at all times. Purchaser must give these instructions to the people operating and maintaining this tractor.
General Operation
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this owners manual, the engine manual, the attachment manual and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the mower or other attachment.
Be sure the area is clear of other people & pets before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. The operator is responsible for the safety of bystanders.
Before starting place the PTO lever in “Off” position and the gear shift lever in the neutral “N” position.
Never carry passengers.
Operate only from operators position, on the seat.
Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate without either the entire attachment or the guarding in place and functioning properly.
Slow down before turning to prevent tipping or loss of control.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off attachment, set parking brake, stop engine, move shift control to first gear position, and remove keys to prevent unauthorized use before dismounting.
Turn off power to attachment when not in use.
Disengage attachment clutch, stop engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop before leaving operators position for any reason such as removing, cleaning, servicing, or unclogging the attachment.
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of medication, alcohol or drugs. Safe operation of this equipment requires your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways or drives. Follow traffic laws when operating on or near a road.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. When handling equipment connect the chassis to the transporting vehicle. Never connect from control levers, rods, or like items that could be damaged.
Use only attachments or accessories designed for your unit. See your Gravely Dealer.
Wear sturdy footwear. Do not operate tractor barefoot or when wearing open sandals or canvas shoes. Do not wear loose clothing that may get caught in rotating parts of unit. Wear hand, head, ear and eye protection.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to
Operate up and down slopes, not across. Do not operate on steep slopes.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the area of operation.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass or deep snow can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Engage the directional control pedal slowly.
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. Use only approved hitch points.
Limit loads to those you can safely control.
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 attachment power and proceed slowly straight down the slope. If you must stop when going up the slope and can not safely back down, disengage the PTO, release the direction control pedal, and depress the brake pedal. Then place the gear selector in low speed and slowly release the brake pedal, while slowly engaging the direction control pedal.
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