Safety Instructions

NOTE: A blade/blower brake should normally stop drive line rotation within five (5) seconds of disengaging the PTO clutch.

15.For side discharge mower decks, do not operate with the grass deflector chute removed. Keep the deflector in the lowest possible position.

16.For tractors equipped with tilt-up deck, observe the following recommendations:

a.Do not move tractor with deck in tilt-up po- sition.

b.Never tilt body forward with deck in tilt-up position.

17.For GHS equipped models, do not operate the machine with the grass catcher in the DUMP position or with the back door OPEN. Dan- gerous projectiles may be thrown out of the dis- charge chute or the back of the grass catcher.

18.For GHS equipped models, use care when closing the grass catcher door. Keep fingers and hands away from the hinge and pinch points when the door is being closed. Also, keep fingers and hands clear of the door frame. The door may slam shut with considerable force.

19.In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck or GHS catching system:

a.Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turn the engine off before leaving the seat.

b.LOOK to make sure blade drive shaft and blower drive pulley movement has stopped before trying to unclog the system.

c.Disconnect the spark plug wires.

d.Never place hands under the deck or in the GHS blower - use a stick or similar tool to remove clogged material.

20.If the cutting blades strike a solid object or the machine begins to vibrate abnormally, immedi- ately disengage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the engine, and wait for all moving parts to stop. To prevent accidental starting, disconnect the spark plug wires. Thoroughly inspect the mower and repair any damage before restarting the engine and operating the mower. Make sure

cutter blades are in good condition and blade nuts are torqued to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N·m).

21.Do not touch the engine or muffler while the engine is running or immediately after stopping the engine. These areas may be hot enough to cause serious burns.

22.When leaving the machine unattended, dis- engage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the en- gine, and remove the key.

23.For Model MTL and MTLEFI, never remove the radiator pressure cap when the engine is hot (hot water may spray and cause burns).

CAUTION

Use leg muscles and firm footing when lifting the catcher to dump; avoid bending at the waist and using back muscles to avoid back injury.

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