Swisher ZTR51RC, Owner'S Manual, Page: 7 / 23

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are for your safety. Read them thoroughly & carefully.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates important messages in this manual. When you see this
symbol, carefully read the message that follows and be alert to the possibility of personal
injury.
Children:
Children are often attracted to the machine and mowing
work. Serious accidents may occur if you fail to be on
guard for children in the area of the machine.
Never assume that children will stay put where you last
saw them.
Keep children away from the mowing area and under
close supervision by another adult.
Shut off the machine if children enter the work area.
Never allow a child to ride with you.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Be extra cautious near corners, bushes, trees or other
objects that block your view.
Slope Operation:
Remove obstacles such as stones, tree branches, etc.
Mow up and down, not side to side. Never drive the
mower on terrain that slopes more than 15 degrees.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires begin
to slip, disengage the blades and drive slowly down the
slope.
Always drive evenly and slowly on slopes.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid unnecessary turns on slopes. If it becomes
necessary, turn slowly and gradually downward if
possible.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. On uneven terrain, the
machine can tip more easily. Long grass or other debris
can hide obstacles.
Drive slowly and use small movements of the steering
controls.
Do not mow wet grass. It is slippery, and the tires can
lose their traction, allowing the machine to slide.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a foot on
the ground.
Mowing Safety:
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not
worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades
and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Do not attempt to tilt the machine to the maintenance
position while mowing.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that all
bolts and nuts are secure.
Never mow in the direction of people or property.
Debris could be thrown out of the front that can cause
serious injury and property damage.
Maintenance & Storage:
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
If storing equipment over long periods of time remove
all grass clippings, grass build up, and debris from the
equipment to prevent corrosion.
Replace worn or damaged parts for continued safe
operation.
When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended the parking brake should be set and any
attachments should never be left in the tilted position
unless the safety chains are used to secure the
attachments.
Only tilt the deck to maintenance mode when on a
smooth and level surface.
Remove the ignition key to prevent unauthorized
use.
Training:
All users should seek and obtain
professional and practical instruction.
Such instruction should emphasize:
The need for care and concentration when working with
ride-on machines.
How to properly connect and disconnect the tractor and
attachment.
How to properly drive, control, and operate a ride-on
machine with an attachment connected.
Operation Safety:
Do not operate the machine in a confined space.
Always disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn the
engine off, and remove the key when leaving the
machine during operations.
Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders or
allow anyone near the machine while in use.
Never operate the machine near bodies of water,
retaining walls, cliffs or tall curbs. Give the machine
ample room to operate and turn around.
Never operate the machine with defective guards or
without safety protective devices in place.
Disengage the PTO switch, set the brake, stop the
engine, remove the ignition key and disconnect the
spark plug wires:
Before clearing blockages.
Before checking, clearing or working on the
machine.
After striking a foreign object, inspect the
machine for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment.
If the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
Before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator’s
position.