OWNER’S INFORMATION
Know your product: If you understand the unit and how the unit operates, you will get the best performance. As you read this manual, compare the illustrations to the unit. Learn the location and the function of the controls. To help prevent an accident, follow the operating instructions and the safety rules. Keep this manual for future reference.
WARNING: Look for this symbol to indicate important safety precautions. This symbol indicates: “Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is At Risk.”
Responsibility Of The Owner
WARNING: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure
to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death to the operator or bystanders.
The responsibility of the owner is to follow the instructions below.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
For Ride-On (Riding)
Rotary Mower Machines
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 responsible for accidents or hazards occur- ring to other people or their property.
5.Do not carry passengers.
6.All drivers should seek and obtain pro- fessional 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:
l insufficient wheel grip; l being driven too fast; l inadequate braking
l the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
l lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions, especially slopes;
l incorrect hitching and load dis- tribution.
Preparation
1.While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
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2.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all ob- jects which may be thrown by the machine.
3.WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
a.Store fuel in containers specifically de- signed 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 run- ning 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 as- sembly 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 ro- tating 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, dis- engage all blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
4.Do not use on slopes of more than 10 de- grees.
5.Remember there is no such thing as a “safe” slope. Travel on grass slopes re- quires 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 tra- velling 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, unless 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 In- struction Book.
7.Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
8.Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other than grass.
9.When using any attachments, never direct discharge of material toward bystanders
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nor allow anyone near the machine while in operation.
10.Never operate the mower with defective guards or shields, or without safety protec- tive devices in place.
11.Do not change the engine governor set- tings or overspeed the engine. Operating an engine at excessive speed may in- crease the hazard of personal injury.
12.Before leaving the operator’s position
a.disengage the power take-off and lower the attachments;
b.change into neutral and set the park- ing brake;
c.stop the engine and remove the key.
13.Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition key
a.before cleaning blockages or unclog- ging chute;
b.before checking, cleaning or working on the mower;
c.after striking a foreign object. Inspect the mower for damage and make re- pairs before restarting and operating the equipment;
d.if the machine starts to vibrate abnor- mally (check immediately).
14.Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.
15.Stop the engine and disengage drive to at- tachment
a.before refuelling;
b.before removing the grass catcher;
c.before making height adjustment un- less adjustment can be made from the operator’s position.
16.Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if the engine is provided with a shut-of f valve, turn the fuel off at the con- clusion of mowing.
17.Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.
18.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
Maintenance and Storage
1.On multi-blade machines, take care as ro- tating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
2.When machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
3.Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
4.Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
5.Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
6.To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or ex- cessive grease.
7.Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
8.Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
9.If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
