Safe Handling of Fuels
•
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•
Use only an approved fuel container.
•
Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running.
•
Allow the engine to cool before fueling.
•
Do not fuel or drain the machine indoors.
•
Do not store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or on other appliances.
•
Do not fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck,
or on a trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
•
Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and
fuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then add fuel with such equipment as a portable
container rather than from a fuel-dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change your clothing
immediately.
•
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap
and tighten it securely.
Operation
•
Always shut off the engine, remove the key (if
equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop,
and allow the machine to cool before adjusting,
servicing, cleaning, or storing the machine.
•
Do not operate the machine when there is the risk
of lightning.
•
Use your full attention while operating the
machine. Do not engage in any activity that
causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property
damage may occur.
•
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Do not smoke near the machine when the engine
is running.
•
Operate the machine only in well-lit areas, keeping
away from holes and hidden hazards.
•
Ensure that all drives are in neutral and that the
parking brake is engaged before starting the
engine. Start the engine only from the operator’s
position.
•
Ensure that you have good footing while using this
machine, especially when backing up. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be
sure to travel side to side on hillsides. Turf
conditions can affect the stability of the machine.
Use caution while operating near drop-offs.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns
and when changing directions on slopes.
•
Do not operate the machine without the shields
or other guards securely in place. Ensure that all
interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and
functioning properly.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
•
Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage
the parking brake (if provided), shut off the engine,
and remove the key before leaving the operator's
position for any reason.
•
Stop equipment, shut off the engine, remove the
key, and inspect the tines after striking objects or if
an abnormal vibration occurs. Make the necessary
repairs before resuming operations.
•
Keep your hands and feet away from the tine
assembly.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to
ensure a clear path.
•
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area. Keep
pets and bystanders away from an operating
machine.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Fully raise the
tines if you are not aerating.
•
Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into or from a trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Hauling
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or a truck.
•
It is recommended to use one full width ramp that
is wide enough to extend beyond the rear tires
instead of individual ramps for each side of the
machine.
•
Tie the machine down securely using straps,
chains, cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps
should be directed down and outward from the
machine.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Do not allow untrained personnel to service the
machine.
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