Kubota Z232KW-AU Operator's Manual page 9

SAFE OPERATION
• Use only implements approved by Kubota. Use
proper ballast on the front or rear of the machine to
reduce the risk of upsets. Follow the safe operating
procedures specified in the manuals of the
equipment.
• Keep your machine clean. Accumulations of dirt,
grease, and trash can contribute to fires and lead to
personal injury.
• The exhaust gas from the muffler is very hot. To
prevent fire, do not expose dry grass, mowed
grass, oil and any other combustible materials to
the exhaust gas. Use a spark arrester where
required. Keep the engine and muffler clean all the
times.
2. ROPS
• Kubota recommends the use of a roll-over
protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt in almost
all applications. This combination will reduce the
risk of serious injury or death, should the machine
be upset.
• If the ROPS is loosened or removed for any reason,
make sure that all parts are reinstalled correctly
before operating the machine.
• Never modify or repair a ROPS because welding,
bending, drilling, grinding, or cutting may weaken
the structure.
• If any structural member of the ROPS is damaged,
replace the entire structure at your local Kubota
Dealer.
• Always use the seat belt if the machine has a
ROPS. Check the seat belt regularly and replace if
frayed or damaged.
(1) ROPS
(2) Seat belt
OPERATING THE MACHINE
1. Starting to operate the machine
• Always sit in the operator's seat when starting the
engine or operating levers or controls.
6
• Before starting the engine make sure that the
motion control levers are in "NEUTRAL LOCK", the
parking brake is applied, and the power take-off
(PTO) is disengaged (OFF).
• Do not start the engine by shorting across starter
terminals. The machine may start in gear and move
if the normal starting circuitry is bypassed.
• Do not operate or idle the engine in a non-
ventilated area. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless,
odorless, and deadly.
• Do not start the engine when the front or rear tires
are not on the ground.
• Check before each use that the operator presence
control (OPC) system is functioning correctly.
Test the safety systems.
(See Checking the engine start system on page
46 and Checking the OPC system on page 47.)
Do not operate unless they are functioning
correctly.
• Check all fluids before starting.
2. Working the machine
• Do not turn sharply when driving at high speed.
• To avoid tip-over accidents, slow down when
turning on uneven terrain or before stopping.
• Do not operate near ditches, holes, embankments,
or other terrain, which may collapse under the
machine's weight. The risk of machine tip-overs
increases when the ground is loose or wet.
• Park the machine on a firm and level surface.
• Before you get off, apply the parking brake, place
the motion control levers in their "NEUTRAL LOCK"
positions, disengage
attachments to the ground, turn off the engine, and
remove the key.
• Watch where you are going at all times. Watch for
and avoid obstacles. Be alert at curbs, near trees,
and other obstructions and hidden hazards.
• Know what is behind you before backing up. Look
to the rear before and when backing. Do not mow
while in reverse unless absolutely necessary and
make sure the area immediately behind you is clear
of obstructions or holes and small children. Use
extra caution when the machine is equipped with a
grass catcher as your view to the rear is restricted.
• When working in groups, always let others know
what you are doing ahead of time.
• Do not drive the machine on streets or highways.
Watch for traffic when you cross roads or operate
near roads.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Never operate with the
discharge deflector raised, removed or altered,
unless using a grass catcher.
• When using any
discharge material toward bystanders. Do not allow
the PTO, lower
attachments, never direct
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