Service Precautions - HUSTLER MDV Operator's Manual

• Use the traction control selection and gear selec-
tion for maximum traction and control.
 Before driving through water:
• Never cross any body of water where the depth is
unknown. Never operate the vehicle in water that
is deeper than the middle of the tire.
• Choose a course within the waterway where both
banks have a gradual incline.
• Check for rocks, holes or other obstacles that
may cause the vehicle to overturn, become stuck
or submerged.
 Operating around a frozen body of water:
• Never drive the vehicle onto a frozen body of
water. Severe injury or death can result if the
vehicle and/or operator and passenger falls
through the ice.

Service Precautions

 Unless specifically required, DO NOT have the engine
running when servicing or making adjustments to the
vehicle.
• Park the vehicle on level ground.
• Engage the park brake.
• Place the gear select lever in the neutral position.
• Stop the engine.
• Remove the ignition key.
• Chock the wheels.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting,
cleaning or repairing.
• Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power
should be performed by trained maintenance per-
sonnel only.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, operate
the engine in a well ventilated area only. Loss of
consciousness or death can occur in a short
period of time.
• Read and observe all safety warnings in this man-
ual.
 Always wear adequate eye protection when:
• servicing the battery.
• removing accumulated debris.
• servicing the coolant system.
 Remove all cargo and excess weight from the vehicle
before placing it on jack stands or raising the vehicle.
 Never work under the vehicle unless it is safely sup-
ported with jack stands.
• Make certain vehicle is secure when it is raised
and placed on the jack stands.
REV A
• The jack stands should not allow the vehicle to
move when the engine is running and the drive
wheels are rotating.
• Use only certified jack stands. Use only appropri-
ate jack stands, with a minimum weight rating of
2000 pounds (907 kg) per jack stand to block the
unit up.
• Use in pairs only.
• Follow the instructions supplied with the jack
stands.
 Do not touch hot parts of the vehicle.
 Keep nuts and bolts tight, and keep equipment in good
working condition.
 Make certain that all mechanical parts such as the
speed control are adjusted properly. Replace any worn
or damaged parts. Refer to General Service Manual
123604.
 Use original Hustler
are equivalent in overall performance, that are avail-
able from your local Hustler
• The vehicle may not comply with the appropriate
safety standards if aftermarket parts, accesso-
ries, or attachments are used.
Battery Service Precautions
 Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
 Charge batteries in a well-ventilated open area, away
from sparks and flames. Refer to the battery charger's
manufacturer's instructions for detailed information.
Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from
battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
 If the battery is frozen, do not jump start the vehicle.
 Avoid skin and clothing contact with battery acid.
• Always wear eye protection when checking the
battery. Acid can cause serious injury to skin and
eyes. If contact occurs, flush area with clean
water and call a physician immediately. Acid will
also damage clothing.
• Do not drink the battery electrolyte.
• Do not allow open flame near the battery when
charging.
• Hydrogen gas forms inside the battery. This gas
is both toxic and flammable and may cause an
explosion if exposed to flame. Always disconnect
the negative (black) battery cable(s) before dis-
connecting the positive (red) cable(s). Always
connect the positive (red) battery cable(s) before
connecting the negative (black) cable(s).
• Do not overfill the battery.
• Electrolyte may overflow and damage paint, wir-
ing or structure. When cleaning the battery, use
2-6
replacement parts, or parts that
®
Dealer.
®
606653