SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
STARTING AND STOPPING SAFETY
Mower operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual for PTO engagement and disengagement instructions. Always operate the tractor PTO in the 540 rpm speed selection. DO NOT OVER SPEED! Know how to stop tractor and mower quickly in case of an emergency.
When engaging PTO, the engine RPM should always be low. Once engaged and ready to start cutting, raise PTO speed to 540 RPM and maintain throughout cutting operation.
Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good condition and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is damaged or missing. (You may have to use a tractor salvage yard for replacement parts on older tractors.)
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be protected against by mechanical means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read and understand this entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and operating instructions, prior to using. If there is something in this manual you do not understand, ask your supervisor, or your dealer, to explain it to you.
Most accidents occur because of neglect or carelessness. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least several hundred feet from an operating rotary mower. Only properly trained people should operate this machine.
When this machine is operated in populated areas or in other areas where thrown objects could injure persons or property, standard equipment safety chain shielding (which is designed to reduce the possibility of thrown objects) must be installed. If this machine is not equipped with full chain shielding, operation must be stopped when anyone comes within 100 yards (300 feet).
The majority of accidents involve entanglement on the driveline, injury of bystanders by objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by the mower. Accidents are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who has not read the owner’s manual and is not familiar with a rotary mower.
Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition key, lower implement to the ground and allow cutter blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with the tractor running or with implement in raised position.
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