4
SAFETY
Machine Preparation
Operator preparation and training
Read the Operation & Safety Manual
•
If an operator or mechanic
cannot read English, it is
the owner's responsibility to
explain this material to them.
If any portion of this mate-
rial is unclear, contact your
factory representative for
clarification.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the equip-
ment, operator controls and safety signs. Be prepared
to stop the engine quickly in an emergency. Do not op-
erate or allow another person to operate this machine
if there are any questions about safety.
•
All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
•
Wear appropriate clothing, including safety goggles or
safety glasses with side shields when operating. Do
not operate barefoot or wearing open sandals. Long
hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in mov-
ing parts.
•
Wear hearing protection.
•
Wear safety glasses.
•
Never allow underage children, unskilled or improperly
trained people to operate this equipment. Local regulations
can restrict the age of the operator.
•
Keep warning labels and this operator's manual leg-
ible and intact. Replacement labels and manuals are
available from the factory.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
•
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.
Site preparation and circumstances
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine how to safely per-
form the job. Only use accessories and attachments
approved by the manufacturer.
•
Clear the area to be cut of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire or other debris that may be thrown or get tangled
in the sod cutter.
•
Identify and mark objects to be avoided such as sprin-
kler heads, stakes, water valves, etc.
•
Be sure the area is clear of pets and people, espe-
cially young children. Never assume they will remain
where you last saw them. Stop the machine if any
enter the area.
• Cut sod only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Machine Preparation
•
Do not tamper with or defeat safety devices. Keep
guards, shields and interlock safety devices in place
and in proper working condition. They are for your
protection.
•
Keep all fasteners such as nuts, bolts and pins well
secured.
•
Visually inspect blade and blade bolts for wear or
damage. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts.
•
Verify that machine and attachments, if any, are in
good operating condition.
•
Do not engage blade until ready to cut sod.
OPERATING SAFELY
In General
•
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•
Use caution when making turns and crossing roads
and sidewalks. Stop blade when not cutting sod.
•
Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where dan-
gerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Never leave a machine unattended. Always turn off
blade and stop engine when leaving the operator
position. When leaving the machine be sure the wheel
drive clutch is engaged.
•
Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling ma-
chine towards you.
Storage Safety
•
Stop the engine and allow to cool before storing.
•
Drain the fuel tank outdoors only.
•
Store fuel in an approved container in a cool, dry
place.
•
Keep the machine and fuel containers in a locked stor-
age place to prevent tampering and to keep children
from playing with them.
•
Do not store the machine or fuel container near heat-
ing appliances with an open flame, such as a water
heater, or an appliance with a pilot light.
•
Keep gasoline storage area free of grass, leaves and
excessive grease to reduce fire hazard.
•
Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, muf-
flers and engine to help prevent fires.
Storage Safety
•
Start according to instructions in this manual or on the
machine.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, make sure the
master clutch is disengaged.
•
When starting the engine, make sure hands and feet
are clear of the blade.
•
Do not change engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed
can increase the hazard of personal injury.
