SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
2
Safety Symbols
This table depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the tractor before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol
Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate.
STOP
Turn OFF the engine before opening the bagger cover.
General Operation
1.
Read, understand and follow all instructions on your equipment and in their manuals before
attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2.
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children
and pets at least 75 feet from the tractor while it is in operation. Stop tractor if anyone
enters the area.
3.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks,
wire, bones, toys and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
4.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes.
5.
Do not operate the tractor without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper
place. A missing or damaged discharge cover or grass bag attachment component may result
in thrown objects or blade contact injuries.
6.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the
blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
7.
Shut off tractor’s engine and wait for blades to come to a complete stop before unclogging
tractor’s discharge opening or bagger parts.
8.
Slow down before turning. Operate the tractor smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and
excessive speed. Be aware that a grass catcher attachment can affect the handling
characteristics of your tractor.
9.
Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a
complete stop before opening bagger attachment’s top cover, removing grass catcher,
emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris or making any adjustments.
Never leave a running tractor unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in
neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
10.
Your tractor is designed to cut normal residential grass. 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 tractor deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
11.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use 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. Attachments can also affect the stability of the tractor. All slopes require extra
caution.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to estimate the angle of slopes
before operating this tractor on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 10 degrees or 17
percent as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate the tractor with the grass bag attachment
installed on that area or serious injury could result.
Do:
1.
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
2.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn
the tractor. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so 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 tractor in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.
4.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to
improve stability. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the
tractor to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.
5.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Do Not:
1.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The tractor could suddenly turn over if
a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch or if an edge caves in.
3.
Do not try to stabilize the tractor by putting your foot on the ground.
4.
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
General Service
1.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
2.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
3.
Never tamper with your tractor’s safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
4.
Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs while the tractor’s engine is running.
5.
Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which
could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently
check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!
6.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
WARNING
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and
follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this tractor. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER
This attachment was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. Carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. Tractors are capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions, as well as the safety instructions
provided with your tractor, could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this tractor to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the tractor.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
