4
RSection 2
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English 7. or Spanish, it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them.
DO NOT wear loose fitting clothing. Loose clothing, 8. jewelry or long hair could get tangled in moving
parts. Do not operate the machine wearing shorts;
always wear adequate protective clothing including
long pants. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes and
a helmet is advisable and is required by some local
ordinances and insurance regulations.
WARNING
Always wear hearing protection. Operating this
machine over prolonged periods of time can
cause loss of hearing.
Keep the machine and attachments in good 9. operating condition. Keep all shields and safety
devices in place. If a shield, safety device or decal
is defective or damaged, repair or replace it before
operating the machine.
WARNING
This machine is equipped with an interlock
system intended to protect the operator and
others from injury. This is accomplished by
preventing the engine from starting unless the
deck drive is disengaged, the neutral lock lever
is in the neutral lock position, and the operator
is in the operating position. The system shuts off
the engine if the operator steps off the operator
platform with the deck drive engaged or if the
neutral lock lever is placed in the drive position
(D) and the parking brake is applied. Never operate
equipment with the interlock system disconnected
or malfunctioning.
Be sure the interlock switches are functioning 10. correctly.
Fuel is flammable; handle it with care. Fill the fuel 11. tank outdoors. Never fill it indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage. Clean up any spillage
before starting the engine.
DO NOT add fuel to a running or hot engine. Allow 12. the engine to cool for several minutes before adding
fuel. Never fuel indoors or inside enclosed trailers.
Keep flammable objects (cigarettes, matches, etc.), 13. open flames and sparks away from the fuel tank and
fuel container. Use only approved containers.
Equipment must comply with the latest requirements 14. per SAE J137 and/or ANSI/ASAE S279 when driven
on public roads.
Do not operate without the side discharge chute 15. installed and in the down position or with an optional
grass catcher or mulch plate completely installed.
Check the blade mounting bolts at frequent intervals 16. for proper tightness.
Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight 17. and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good
condition before starting the machine.
OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS2.4
Know the function of all controls and how to stop 1. quickly.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Under no
circumstances should the machine be operated
on slopes greater than 20 degrees. ALWAYS
FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED OPERATION.
Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on 2. slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
Stay two cut widths away from slopes, drop offs, 3. ditches and retaining walls.
To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop 4. smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns and travel at
reduced speed.
When using any attachment, never direct the 5. discharge of material toward bystanders or allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
Start the engine with the operator in the operating 6. position, cutter blades are disengaged, parking
brake is engaged, and the neutral lever is in neutral.
If the mower discharge ever plugs, shut off the 7. engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all
movement to stop before removing the obstruction.