Bigdog Mower Co. Alpha, Operator'S Manual

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REV A 2-4 607233
• Buildings
• Rocks
These are just a few examples of situations when
caution must be used when operating on a slope.
There are many other possibilities too numerous to
mention. Just remember to always exercise extreme
caution when operating on any slope.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.

Never leave the mower unattended with the ignition
key in the switch, especially with children present.

Children or bystanders may be injured if they attempt
to move or to operate the mower while it is
unattended. Always disengage the deck clutch, place
the control levers in park brake position, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition key when leaving the
operator’s seat.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

Be alert and turn the mower off if children enter the
area.

Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.

Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe mower operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over by
the mower.

Never allow children to operate the mower.

Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.

Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Service Precautions

Unless specifically required, DO NOT have the engine
running when servicing or making adjustments to the
mower.
• Park the mower on level ground.
• Disengage the deck clutch.
• Place the steering control levers in the park brake
position.
• Lower the deck.
• Stop the engine.
• Remove the ignition key.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing.
• Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power
should be performed by trained maintenance
personnel only.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, operate
the engine in a well ventilated area only.
• Read and observe all safety warnings in this
manual.

Before working on or under the deck, make certain the
engine cannot be accidentally started.

Always keep belt covers on mower deck for safety as
well as for cleanliness except when changing or
checking the belt.

Use a stick or similar instrument to clean under the
mower making sure that no part of the body, especially
arms and hands are under the mower.

Always wear adequate eye protection when:
• servicing the hydraulic system.
• servicing the battery.
• grinding mower blades and removing
accumulated debris.

Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to
the mower drive system, mower deck or any
attachment while the mower engine is running or deck
clutch is engaged. Repairs or maintenance requiring
engine power should be performed by trained
maintenance personnel only.

Never work under the machine or attachment unless it
is safely supported with jack stands.
• Make certain machine is secure when it is raised
and placed on the jack stands.
• The jack stands should not allow the machine to
move when the engine is running and the drive
wheels are rotating.
• Use only certified jack stands. Use only
appropriate jack stands, with a minimum weight
rating of 2000 pounds (907 kg) to block the unit
up.
• Use in pairs only.
• Follow the instructions supplied with the jack
stands.

Exercise caution when releasing spring tension from
any of the belt idlers or when working with any of the
deck lift components.

Do not touch hot parts of machine.

Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade
attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good working
condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.