Safety
Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner
can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions and always pay
attention to the safety alert symbol, which means
CAUTION, WARNING,
or
DANGER
-“personal
safety instruction." Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
This product is designed for cutting and recycling grass
or, when equipped with a grass bagger, for catching
cut grass. Any use for purposes other than these could
prove dangerous to user and bystanders.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.4-2004.
Training
•
Read the Operator’s Manual and other training
material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not
read English it is the owner’s responsibility to explain
this material to them.
•
Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•
All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
•
Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator.
•
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself,
other people or property.
Preparation
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and
safely perform the job. Only use accessories and
attachments approved by the manufacturer.
•
Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasses and hearing protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
•
Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire
which can be thrown by the machine.
•
Use extra care when handling diesel and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
– Use only an approved container
– Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
– Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
•
Check that operator’s presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do
not operate the machine; seek shelter.
•
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
•
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Start the engine only
from the operator’s position. Use seat belts.
•
Never raise mower with the blades running.
•
Never operate without the PTO shield, or other
guards securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are
attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
•
Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
•
Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake, shut off engine before
leaving the operator’s position for any reason
including emptying the catchers or unclogging the
chute.
•
Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•
Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
•
Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before changing
directions.
•
Slow down and use caution when crossing roads and
sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
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