Safe Operation Practices For Ride-On
Mowers
Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death. Your complete
and unimpaired attention is required at all times.
Purchaser must give these instructions to the people
operating and maintaining this tractor.
General Operation
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in this
owners manual, the engine manual, the attachment
manual and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
mower or other attachment.
Be sure the area is clear of other people & pets
before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area. The operator is responsible for the safety of
bystanders.
Before starting place the PTO lever in “Off” position
and the gear shift lever in the neutral “N” position.
Never carry passengers.
Operate only from operators position, on the seat.
Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind before and
while backing.
Be aware of the attachment discharge direction and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate without
either the entire attachment or the guarding in place
and functioning properly.
Slow down before turning to prevent tipping or loss of
control.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off attachment, set parking brake, stop engine,
move shift control to first gear position, and remove
keys to prevent unauthorized use before dismounting.
Turn off power to attachment when not in use.
Disengage attachment clutch, stop engine, remove
key and wait for moving parts to stop before leaving
operators position for any reason such as removing,
cleaning, servicing, or unclogging the attachment.
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of medication, alcohol or drugs. Safe operation of
this equipment requires your complete and
unimpaired attention at all times.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways or drives. Follow traffic laws when
operating on or near a road.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. When handling
equipment connect the chassis to the transporting
vehicle. Never connect from control levers, rods, or
like items that could be damaged.
Use only attachments or accessories designed for
your unit. See your Gravely Dealer.
Wear sturdy footwear. Do not operate tractor
barefoot or when wearing open sandals or canvas
shoes. Do not wear loose clothing that may get
caught in rotating parts of unit. Wear hand, head, ear
and eye protection.
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 of it you feel uneasy on
it, do not operate on it.
Operate up and down slopes, not across. Do not
operate on steep slopes.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
from the area of operation.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass or deep snow can
hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low ground speed so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Engage the directional control pedal slowly.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine. Use only approved hitch points.
Limit loads to those you can safely control.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage attachment power and proceed
slowly straight down the slope. If you must stop when
going up the slope and can not safely back down,
disengage the PTO, release the direction control
pedal, and depress the brake pedal. Then place the
gear selector in low speed and slowly release the
brake pedal, while slowly engaging the direction
control pedal.
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Safety Precautions
