Operator Manual
Acreage
™
Rough Cut Mower
Get parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-4:30 CST.
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• Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration from gasoline engine
powered equipment should be avoided. Take intermittent breaks
and/or wear ear protection from engine noise.
• Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of this
machine.
• If the noise or vibrations of the machine increase, stop
immediately and perform an inspection.
• The fuel used in this machine is considered extremely
flammable and should be handled with care. When storing extra
fuel be sure that it is in an appropriate container and away from
any fire hazards.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine
is running (except where specifically recommended by the
manufacturer).
• Blades of the mower should not rotate while the engine is
running, and blade control handle is disengaged. If cutting
blades rotate when blade control handle is disengaged, contact
Earthquake customer service for instructions.
• Caution - Cutting head and blades will continue to rotate for
a short period of time after blade control handle is disengaged.
If cutting head and blades fail to stop rotating after 1 minute
contact Earthquake customer service for instruction.
BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT:
• Slopes are a major factor related to slip-and-fall or roll-over
accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. Do mow up
and down; never across the face of slopes. Do not mow slopes
greater than 20 degrees, or as specified by the towing vehicle,
which ever is less. Do not mow areas where the ground is very
rough. See the “Slope Guide” in the back of this manual to check
a slope. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, fence posts, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles or
foreign objects.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The towing vehicle could lose traction or balance.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
slipping or roll-over. Wet piles of grass can also cause fire due
to spontaneous combustion.
Do not mow in extremely dry or drought conditions. Sparks
generated by the machine may cause ignition of grass and
leaves.
CHILDREN:
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of a responsible adult that is not performing mower
operation.
• Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never allow children to operate the mower or be a passenger
on the tow vehicle.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or
other objects that may obscure vision.
SERVICE:
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank
indoors or near appliances with pilot lights, heaters, or other
ignition sources. Replace fuel cap securely. If fuel is spilled, do not
start the engine but move product and fuel container from area.
Clean up spilled fuel and allow to evaporate.
• If the fuel has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
The drained fuel should be stored in a container specifically
designed for fuel storage or it should be disposed of carefully and
according to local regulations.
