HUSTLER FasTrak Operator's Manual page 24

NOTE: When the ROPS is locked in the raised position
make sure the hair pins are inserted into the holes in the end
of the spring loaded pins.
Do not wear the seat belt when the ROPS is in the lowered
position. Use the ROPS in the "folded" position only when
absolutely necessary.
Do not operate the mower with the ROPS folded
down (lowered position) as a standard operating
mode. A folded down ROPS does not provide roll-
over protection.
Always wear your seat belt unless the mower is
not equipped with a ROPS or if the ROPS is folded
down. In this case, the seat belt should never be
worn.
To minimize chance of injury or death from rollover:
• Keep ROPS in the raised and locked position
and use the seat belt.
• Never operate the machine on a slope with the
ROPS folded down (lowered position).
• There is no roll over protection when the ROPS
is in the lowered position.
• Lower the ROPS only when absolutely neces-
sary. Drive slowly and carefully. Raise the
ROPS as soon as clearance permits. Read and
follow slope operation instructions and warn-
ings.
• Do not wear seat belt when the ROPS is in the
lowered position or if it is not equipped with
one.
Do not attach chains or ropes to the ROPS for pull-
ing purposes, as the machine can tip backwards.
Always pull from the mower hitch.
Always fasten the seat belt during mower operation
(mower equipped with a ROPS in the "raised/up" position).
Inspect the area prior to mowing for proper overhead clear-
ance (tree limbs, guy wires, doorways, etc).
Do not contact any overhead object with the ROPS.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Inspect the seat belt system (all seat, seat belt parts, and
seat platform) daily prior to mowing for signs of any damage.
Replace any parts with signs of:
REV C
• cuts,
• fraying,
• extreme or unusual wear,
• significant discoloration due to UV exposure,
• dirt or stiffness,
• abrasion to the seat belt webbing,
• damage to the buckle, latch plate or hardware,
• any other problem.
Use soap and water to clean the seat belt. Do not use car-
bon tetrachloride, naphtha, or other chemical cleaning
agents, as these will weaken the webbing. For the same rea-
son, do not bleach or dye the webbing. Replace the seat belt
if worn or damaged.
Possible Damage To ROPS
If the unit has rolled over or the ROPS has been in some
other type of accident (such as hitting an overhead object
during transport), replace the ROPS to retain the best protec-
tion.
Following an accident, check the ROPS, the operator's seat,
the seat belt, seat belt mountings and seat platform for pos-
sible damage. Before operating the machine, replace all dam-
aged parts.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to weld or straighten the
ROPS.
The ROPS structure's protective capability may be
impaired by structural damage, overturn or alter-
ation. Do not remove or alter any of the ROPS
parts. Do not attempt to weld or straighten ROPS.
Failure to adhere to these instructions could result
in severe injury or death.
If the ROPS is replaced, make sure to use the
proper hardware and apply the recommended
torque values to the attaching bolts.
ROPS Inspection
Inspect the ROPS after the first 20 hours of operation. Fol-
lowing the initial inspection, check the ROPS after every 500
hours of operation or every six months, whichever comes
first.
1. Check the torque of the ROPS mounting bolts. Tighten
the bolts to the correct torques as shown below if nec-
essary. Figure 3-7
2. Inspect the operator's seat and the mounting parts for
the seat belt. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque as
shown below if necessary and replace parts that show
wear or damage.
3. Check the seat platform to make sure it is secured
properly. Adjust or repair it as necessary.
3-4 605596CE