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PN 55191 (4/22/99)
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Safety is a primary concern in the design and
manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our
efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped
out by an operator’s single careless act.
In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident preven-
tion are dependent upon the awareness, con-
cern, judgement, and proper training of personnel
involved in the operation, transport, maintenance
and storage of equipment.
It has been said “The best safety device is an
informed, careful operator.” We ask you to be that
kind of operator.
TRAINING
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Safety instructions are important! Read all at-
tachment and power unit manuals; follow all safety
rules and safety decal information. (Replacement
manuals are available from dealer or, in the United
States and Canada, call 1-800-319-6637.) Failure to
follow instructions or safety rules can result in
serious injury or death.
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If you do not understand any part of this
manual and need assistance, see your dealer.
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Know your controls and how to stop engine
and attachment quickly in an emergency.
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Operators must be instructed in and be capa-
ble of the safe operation of the equipment, its
attachments and all controls. Do not allow anyone
to operate this equipment without proper instruc-
tions.
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Never allow children or untrained persons to
operate equipment.
PREPARATION
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Check that all hardware is properly installed.
Always tighten to torque chart specifications
unless instructed otherwise in this manual.
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Always wear relatively tight and belted cloth-
ing to avoid entanglement in moving parts. Wear
sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hair, hands, hearing and head.
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Make sure implement is properly attached, ad-
justed and in good operating condition.
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Make sure spring-activated locking pin or
collar slides freely and is seated firmly in tractor
PTO spline groove.
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Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or
ROPS CAB and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely
fastened. Falling off power unit can result in death
from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable
ROPS systems in “locked up” position at all times.
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Remove accumulated debris from this equip-
ment, tractor and engine to avoid fire hazard.
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Make sure all safety decals are installed.
Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section for
location.)
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Make sure shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition. Replace if dam-
aged.
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A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight
must be on tractor front wheels with attachments in
transport position. Without this weight, tractor could
tip over causing personal injury or death. The weight
may be attained with a loader, front wheel weights,
ballast in tires or front tractor weights. Weigh the
tractor and equipment. Do not estimate.
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Inspect and clear area of stones, branches or
other hard objects that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
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Do not operate mower unless discharge chute
is installed and in good condition. Replace if
damaged.
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Keep bystanders away from equipment.
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Never go underneath equipment lowered to the
ground or raised, unless it is properly blocked and
secured. Never place any part of the body under-
neath equipment or between moveable parts even
when the engine has been turned off. Hydraulic
system leak down, hydraulic system failures, me-
chanical failures or movement of control levers can
cause equipment to drop or rotate unexpectedly
and cause severe injury or death. Follow Operator’s
Manual instructions for working underneath and
blocking requirements, or have work done by a
qualified dealer.
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Never direct discharge toward people, animals
or property.
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Do not operate equipment while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
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Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from
equipment while engine is running. Stay clear of all
moving parts.
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Always comply with all state and local lighting
and marking requirements.
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Never allow riders on power unit or attach-
ment.
(Rev. 6/6/2002)