HUSTLER Raptor X, Operator'S Manual, Page: 8 / 42

REV A 2-2 607768

Always wear adequate ear protection, such as
earplugs. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing.
• Do not wear radios or music headphones while
operating this mower. Safe operation requires
your full attention.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating this mower.

Do not operate the mower if you are fatigued, sick or
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, if you are
pregnant or under 18 years old.

Poor posture or operating the mower for extended
periods of time may lead to fatigue or injury, resulting
in loss of mower control. Occasionally, stop the mower
and get off the seat to stretch and relax.

Data indicates that operators aged 60 years and above
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
Operation

Never leave a running mower unattended. Before
leaving the operator’s seat for any reason, including
emptying the catcher or unclogging the chute:
• Always stop on level ground.
• Disengage the deck clutch.
• Place the steering control levers in the park brake
position.
• Stop the engine.
• Remove the ignition key.
• Wait for the engine and all moving parts to come
to a complete stop.

Always inspect mower for damage after striking a
foreign object. If damage is found, repair mower
immediately.

Always remain seated while operating the mower. Only
start the engine from the operator’s position.

Turn off the mower blades when not mowing.

Always keep safety shields and covers in place, except
for servicing.
• Never operate the machine with the floor plate
pulley cover removed.

Never operate the mower deck with the discharge
chute damaged, altered, removed, or in the raised
position, except when the entire grass catcher
attachment or mulching system is being used.

Always keep clear of the mower blades and
attachments during their operation.
• Never put hands or feet under any part of the
mower while it is running.

Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the
discharge chute with the engine running. Turn off the
engine and be sure the blades have stopped before
cleaning. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge
area.
Never use your hand!

Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses
are tightly secured and bolts are tightened.
• Never operate a poorly maintained mower.

Clean flammable material from mower. Prevent fires by
keeping the engine compartment, top of the deck,
exhaust area, battery, fuel line, fuel tank and operator’s
station clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and
other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.

Prevent fires by keeping the engine and exhaust areas
clear of grass clippings and other debris. Do not back
mower into flammable materials.
• Allow the mower, especially the engine, to cool in
a well ventilated area before storing inside a
building or other enclosure.

Do not change the engine governor setting or over
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.

Rapid movement of the steering control levers in either
direction could result in a reaction of the mower that
can cause serious injury.
• Never push forward suddenly on your steering
control levers while the mower is in rearward
motion because mower may tip backwards.
• Never pull back suddenly on your steering control
levers while the mower is in forward motion.

Always be aware of what is behind the mower before
backing up. Never mow in reverse. Always look down
and behind before and while backing up.
• If mowing in reverse is unavoidable, push forward
slowly on the steering control levers and avoid
sudden movement.

Slow down before turning.

Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in
crowded or congested areas.

Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets
when mowing. Always stop mower if someone enters
the area.

Never carry passengers.

Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator.
Always disengage the mower blades and wait for them
to stop before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

Always observe traffic laws while driving mower from
one location to another. Watch for traffic when
operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision.