8
DR
®
LEAF & LAWN VACUUM
Safety with Gasoline-Powered Machines (continued)
Slope Operation
General Safety
This is a high-powered machine, with moving parts operating with high energy at high speeds. You must operate the machine
safely. Unsafe operation can create a number of hazards for you, as well as anyone else in the nearby area. Always take the
following precautions when using this machine:
•
Never allow people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum.
•
To be safe, do not operate the machine near small children or pets, and never allow children to operate the vacuum. Stop the
vacuum and tractor engine when another person or pet approaches.
•
Never allow people or pets to ride in the collector box or on the frame.
•
If you spill gasoline, do not attempt to start the engine. Move the machine away from the area of the spill and avoid creating
any source of ignition until the gas vapors have dissipated. Wipe up any spilled fuel to prevent a fire hazard and properly
dispose of the waste.
•
Empty the collector box and allow the engine to cool completely before storing your DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum in any
enclosure. Remember, decomposing material can generate heat and start a fire. Never store the machine with gas in the
tank or a fuel container, near an open flame or spark such as a water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, or furnace.
•
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Shut down the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire,
keeping it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Wait 5 minutes before making adjustments or repairs.
•
Never tamper with the engine’s governor setting. The
governor controls the maximum safe operation speed and protects the
engine. Over-speeding the engine is dangerous and will cause damage to the engine and to the other moving parts of the
machine. If required, see your authorized dealer for engine governor adjustments.
•
Keep your hands and combustible substances away from the engine when it is hot. Clean the engine area after each use.
•
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine cooling fins and muffler area free of debris build-up such as leaves, grass, oil, grease,
or any other combustible material.
•
Never cover the machine while the muffler is still hot.
•
Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner or the carburetor air intake cover removed, except for adjustment. Removal of
such parts could create a fire hazard.
•
Do not use flammable solutions to clean the air filter.
•
The muffler and engine become very hot and can cause a severe burn; do not touch.
•
The exhaust area on the engine becomes very hot with use. Allow the engine to cool before doing maintenance or making
adjustments.
Slopes are a major factor related to tip over accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require caution. If you feel
uneasy on a slope, do not vacuum it. Always take the following precautions when using this machine on slopes:
ALWAYS:
•
Vacuum up and down the face of slopes, never across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•
Remove objects such as stones, glass, and metal objects such as cans.
•
Watch out for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
NEVER:
•
Never vacuum near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. Your tractor and the vacuum may tip over.
•
Never vacuum on slopes greater than 15 degrees or any excessively steep slopes.
•
Never vacuum on wet slopes. Reduced traction could result in slipping and a possible roll over.
