HUSTLER TrimStar Operator's Manual page 8

 Always wear adequate ear protection, such as
earplugs. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing.
• Do not wear radios or music headphones while
operating this mower. Safe operation requires
your full attention.
 Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating this mower.
 Do not operate the mower if you are fatigued, sick or
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, if you are
pregnant or under 18 years old.
 Poor posture or operating the mower for extended
periods of time may lead to fatigue or injury, resulting
in loss of mower control. Occasionally, stop the mower
to stretch and relax.
 Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
Operation
 If you lose steering control while operating the machine,
place the neutral lock/park brake lever in the park brake
position immediately. Inspect the machine and involve
your Hustler dealer to resolve the problem before
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continuing to operate.
 Never leave a running mower unattended for any
reason including emptying the catcher or unclogging
the discharge chute:
• Always stop on level ground.
• Disengage the deck clutch.
• Place the H-Bar steering in the neutral position.
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• Move the neutral lock/park brake lever to the
park brake position.
• Stop the engine.
• Remove the ignition key.
• Wait for the engine and all moving parts to come
to a complete stop.
 Always inspect mower for damage after striking a
foreign object. If damage is found, repair mower
immediately.
 Turn off the mower blades when not mowing.
 Always keep safety shields and covers in place, except
for servicing.
 Never operate the mower deck with the discharge
chute damaged, altered, removed, or in the raised
position, except when the entire grass catcher
attachment or mulching system is being used.
 Always keep clear of the mower blades and
attachments during their operation.
• Never put hands or feet under any part of the
mower while it is running.
REV D
 Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the
discharge chute with the engine running. Disconnect
the spark plug wires from the spark plugs before
cleaning, being careful not to touch the hot engine or
muffler. Turn off the engine and be sure the blades
have stopped before cleaning. Use a stick to clear a
plugged discharge area. Never use your hand!
 Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses
are tightly secured and bolts are tightened.
 Clean flammable material from mower. Prevent fires by
keeping the engine compartment, top of the deck,
exhaust area, battery (if applicable), fuel line, fuel tank
and operator's station clean of accumulated trash, grass
clippings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel
and oil.
 Prevent fires by keeping the engine and exhaust areas
clear of grass clippings and other debris. Do not back
mower into flammable materials.
• Allow the mower, especially the engine, to cool
before storing inside a building.
• Never cover the machine with a tarp or cover of
some type until the engine and muffler have
cooled.
 Do not change the engine governor setting or over
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
 When traveling in reverse, rotate handle forward gently
and avoid sudden movement. Rapid movement of the
handle in either direction could result in a reaction of
the mower that can cause serious injury.
• Never rotate forward suddenly on H-Bar
while the machine is in rearward motion.
 Always be aware of what is behind the machine before
backing up.
 Slow down before turning.
 Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in
crowded or congested areas.
 Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets
when mowing. Always stop mower if someone enters
the area.
 Never carry passengers.
 Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator.
Always disengage the mower blades and wait for them
to stop before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
 Always observe traffic laws while driving mower from
one location to another. Watch for traffic when
operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision.
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