Gravely pro-stance 36 994131 Operator's Manual page 8

Inspect unit before each use for missing or
damaged decals and shields, correctly
operating safety interlock system, and
deterioration of grass catchers. Replace or
repair as needed.
Check that operator's presence controls,
safety switches and shields are attached and
functioning properly. Do not operate unless
they are functioning properly.
Ensure Safety Interlock System is functioning
properly. DO NOT operate unit if safety
interlock is damaged or disabled.
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking
brake is engaged before starting engine.
Steering control levers must be in neutral and
PTO disengaged. Only start engine from the
operator's position. Use seat belts if provided.
Operate unit only when standing in operator
zone.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders and
pets before operating.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage
and remove any fuel-soaked debris.
Operation
Never operate machine in a closed or poorly
ventilated area. Never run an engine in an
enclosed area.
ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating
condition. Damaged or worn out muffler can
cause fire or explosion.
This product is equipped with an internal
combustion type engine. DO NOT use unit on
or near any unimproved, forest-covered or
brush covered land unless exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark
arrester, if it is used, must be maintained in
effective working order by operator.
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
Do not operate the mower under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting
units. Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
DO NOT touch parts which are hot. Allow
parts to cool.
Never operate with the discharge deflector
raised, removed or altered, unless using a
grass catcher. Make sure other safety
devices are in place and working.
Always keep hands and feet away from all
pinch points.
Avoid slippery surfaces. Be sure of your
footing while using pedestrian controlled
equipment, especially when backing up.
Walk, don't run. Use extreme caution if
operating on wet grass, reduced footing could
cause slipping.
Never carry passengers and keep pets and
bystanders away. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction
and do not point it at anyone. Never direct
discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back
toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when
crossing gravel surfaces.
Never engage PTO when attachment,
including mower blades, is not in use.
Always turn off power to attachment when not
in active use such as traveling or
crossing driveways.
Slow down and use caution when making
turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop
blades if not mowing.
Stop on level ground, lower implements,
disengage drives, engage parking brake (if
provided), disengage PTO, shut off engine
and allow moving parts to stop before leaving
the operator's position for any reason
including emptying the catchers or
unclogging the chute.
Never engage PTO while raising the
attachment, including mower blades, or when
attachment is in the raised position.
Never raise deck with the blades running.
Never operate with the PTO shield, or other
guards not securely in place. Be sure all
interlocks are attached, adjusted properly,
and functioning properly. Never modify or
remove safety devices.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look behind and down
before backing up to be sure of a clear path.
Stop equipment and inspect blades after
striking objects or if an abnormal vibration
occurs. Make necessary repairs before
resuming operations.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blade(s), set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
Disengage blade(s) when not mowing. Shut
off engine and wait for all parts to come to a
complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the
discharge guard.
Know the weight of loads. Limit loads to those
you can safely control and the unit can safely
handle.
Use care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
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