Columbia 79G Series, Operator'S Manual

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4 s
ection
2 — i
mportant
s
afe
o
peration
p
ractices
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into 22.
a trailer or truck. This machine should not be driven up or
down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing
serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed
manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
23.
not touch.
Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under
24.
low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc.,
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the
machine, which could result in serious injury.
Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake
25.
pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting
to start engine.
Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of
26.
a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or
build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire
hazard.
Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
27.
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand
and follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
28.
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
29.
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service
representative for assistance.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you
feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this
manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.
Do:
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme 1.
caution when changing direction on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
2.
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so
3.
that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes
are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
4.
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
5.
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
6.
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid
engagement or braking could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could
cause serious injury.
Do Not:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly 1.
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The
2.
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
3.
the ground.
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
4.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause 5.
sliding.
Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded
6.
dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5
degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends
to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control
(e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to
overturn).