HUSTLER Z Diesel Operator's Manual page 26

Pivot the two-post ROPS down by removing the right and
left hair pins (Figure 3-13), and pulling out on the spring
loaded pins to allow the machine to operate under low
hanging tree limbs or other obstructions.
B
C
A. ROPS
B. Retaining ring
Figure 3-13
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
rollover 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.
REV J
A
C. Clevis pin
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
necessary. Drive slowly and carefully. Raise
the ROPS as soon as clearance permits. Read
and follow slope operation instructions and
warnings.
• 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 pulling 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
clearance (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:
• 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
carbon tetrachloride, naphtha, or other chemical cleaning
agents, as these will weaken the webbing. For the same
reason, 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
protection.
3-6
the ROPS only when absolutely
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