SAFETY
•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 grass- catchers 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 at- tachments. 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.
Keep Riders Off
•Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.
•Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing seri- ous injury.
•Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the ma- chine being operated in an unsafe manner.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
•Hydraulic hoses and lines can fail due to physical dam- age, kinks, age, and exposure. Check hoses and lines regularly. Replace damaged hoses and lines.
•Hydraulic fluid connections can loosen due to physical damage and vibration. Check connections regularly. Tighten loose connections.
•Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic or other lines. Tighten all connections before applying pressure.
•Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard. Protect hands and body from high pressure fluids.
•If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene may result. Doctors unfamiliar with this type of injury should reference a knowledgeable medical source.
Checking Wheel Hardware
•A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel hardware is not tight.
•Check wheel hardware tightness often during the first
100 hours of operation.
•Wheel hardware must be tightened to specified torque using the proper procedure anytime it is loosened.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
•Always wear safety goggles, or safety glasses with side shields, and a hard hat when operating the machine.
•Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment ap- propriate for the job.
•While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
•Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
Maintenance and Storage
•Never operate machine in a closed area where danger- ous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•Disengage drives, lower implement, lock parking brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug (for gas engines). Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
•Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, muf- flers, and engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
•Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame.
•Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine. Understand service procedure before doing work.
•Use jack stands or lock service latches to support com- ponents when required. Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work.
•Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components or springs.
•Release hydraulic pressure by lowering attachment or cutting units to the ground or to a mechanical stop and move hydraulic control levers back and forth.
•Disconnect battery or remove spark plug (for gas engines) before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and negative last.
•Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
•Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry and long hair away from moving parts. If possible, do not make adjust- ments with the engine running.
•Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before con- necting or disconnecting from battery. • Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
•Keep all parts in good working condition and all hard- ware tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
•Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s rec-
SAFETY - 7
