8999151EN: v1 11/03/2021
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Original instructions (ENGLISH)
Website: www.spearheadmachinery.com
4.7
Work Site Assessment
4.7.1
Foreign Debris Hazards
The destined work site to use the machine should be thoroughly checked and familiarised following the guidance
given in Section 2.3.4 to assess the working area for hazards; removable and fixed.
Items should be assessed, removed or clearly marked (e.g. if too heavy to move) before mowing:
•
Items and ground characteristics which could cause a reduction in the tractors stability and traction and
operator safety and ease of control in operation
•
Insufficient lighting
•
Foreign objects which could be picked up and then flung by the machine damaging and causing risk to
bystanders, operator, tractor or the nearby environment. Items seen on the surface and buried deeply in
the material. For example rocks, tree stumps and manhole covers
•
Foreign objects which could be picked up and then damage the machine; for example wire.
•
Low level objects which could come into collision with the tractor and/or machine
•
Items which could create a fire risk
In overgrown areas which could potentially hide debris that could be struck by the blades, the area should be:
inspected and large debris removed, mowed at an intermediate height and then re-inspected closely with any
remaining debris being removed. Then mow at the
desired final height. This will also bring benefits to
operations with reduced power requirements to mow,
reduce wear and tear on the machine drivetrain,
spread cut material better, reduce windrowing, and
give a better overall finish.
Always wear your seat belt securely fastened and
only operate the tractor and mower with the Roll-over
Protection Structure (ROPS) in the raised position. If
the tractor or mower hits a tree stump, rock, or bump,
a sudden movement could throw you off the seat and
under the tractor and/or mower. The seat belt is your
best protection from falling off the tractor and the
ROPS provides protection from being crushed during
a tractor roll-over.
Figure 4.15
– Inspect The Work Site
It is important to inspect the machine to ensure all mandatory fixed and removable guarding is in position and in
correct working order before proceeding to use the machine. For guidance on the various guarding found on the
Multicut machine; see Section 2.6.
WARNING!
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects such as gravel, rocks,
wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before mowing. Foreign objects should be removed from the
site to prevent machine damage and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects that cannot be removed
must be clearly marked and carefully avoided by the operator. Stop mowing immediately if blades strike
a foreign object.
IMPORTANT:
Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade carrier is balanced before resuming
mowing.
WARNING!
Many varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains, can become entangled in the
cutting area of the mower deck. These items can swing outside the confines of the safe cutting area of
the machine at greater velocities than the blades. Such a situation is extremely hazardous and could
result in serious injury or even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before mowing. Remove
any like object from the site. Never allow the cutting blades to contact such items.
