6
RA-21
OPERATING SAFELY
IN GENERAL
•
Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
•
Never operate without guards, plates, or other
safety protective devices in place.
•
Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Never leave a machine unattended. Turn off aerator
and stop engine before leaving the machine.
•
Use extreme caution when pulling machine towards
you.
•
Stop operation if someone approaches.
STARTING
•
Start according to instructions in this manual or on
the machine.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, make sure the
aerator is disengaged.
•
When starting the engine, make sure hands and
feet are clear of the aerator.
•
Do not engage aerator at full throttle. Throttle to
idle or lowest possible engine speed.
•
Do not change engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.
SAFETY
INTERRUPTING OPERATION
Before leaving the operator’s position shut off engine.
•
Stop the engine, disengage the blade, set parking
brake and wait until the blade stops rotating:
- before refueling.
- before making height adjustment unless the
adjustment can be made from the operator’s
position.
•
Stop the engine, disengage the aerator, set parking
brake and disconnect the spark plug wire:
- before clearing blockages or unclogging;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the
machine;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
machine for damage and have repairs made as
needed before restarting;
- if the machine begins to vibrate abnormally:
shut off machine immediately. Inspect and have
repairs made as needed before restarting;
- except for repairs or adjustments as specifically
noted, such as for carburetor adjustment, where
the engine must be running. Keep hands and feet
clear of moving parts in these circumstances.
•
Allow the aerator to come to a complete stop when
stopping operation to clear blockages, unclog,
inspect the machine, do maintenance or repair.
•
Reduce the throttle setting during engine shutdown
and, if the engine is provided with a shutoff valve,
turn the fuel off at the conclusion of operation.
•
OPERATING ON SLOPES
Use Extra Care When Working On Slopes
•
Do not operate on slopes if uneasy or uncertain.
Ultimate responsibility for safe operation on
slopes rests with the operator.
•
Do not operate on steep slopes.
•
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
•
Do not cut sod near drop-offs, ditches or em-
bankments. The machine could suddenly turn
over if a wheel runs over the edge or an edge
caves in.
•
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and
then turn slowly and downhill when possible.
•
Be sure of your footing on slopes.
