Gravely Promaster 300 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 6

SAFETY RULES
Walk Around Inspection
Complete a walk around inspection of unit and work
area to understand:
• Work area.
• Your unit.
• All safety decals.
Personal Safety
Only trained adults may operate unit.
Training includes actual operation.
NEVER operate unit after or during the use of
medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation requires
your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.
Wear safety gear for protection.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry that may get
caught in rotating parts.
Wear adequate outer garments.
Wear gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
NEVER wear open sandals or canvas shoes during
operation. Wear footwear that will improve footing on
slippery surfaces.
Wear safety goggles to protect eyes from thrown
objects.
Sharp edges can cut. Movement of parts can cut off
fingers or a hand. Wrap blade(s), wear gloves and use
extreme caution when servicing.
IMPORTANT: On multi-blade mowers, rotation of one
blade will cause all blades to rotate.
NEVER place your hands or any part of your body or
clothing inside or near any moving part while unit is
running.
ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all rotating
parts during operation. Rotating parts can cut off body
parts.
ALWAYS keep body and hands away from pin holes or
nozzles which eject hydraulic fluid under pressure.
DO NOT touch unit parts which might be hot from
operation. Allow parts to cool before attempting to
maintain, adjust or service.
ALWAYS keep hands away from all pinch points.
Fumes from engine exhaust can cause death or serious
injury.
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always
provide good ventilation.
Unit Safety
KNOW Unit - Before Starting Engine.
Understand:
• How to operate all controls
• The functions of all controls
• How to STOP in an Emergency
• Braking & steering characteristics
• Turning radius and clearances
Keep area of operation clear of all toys, pets, and
debris. Thrown objects can cause injury.
Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive.
Handle with care. Use an approved fuel container.
NO smoking, NO sparks, NO flames.
ALWAYS allow engine to cool before servicing.
NEVER fill tank when engine is running or hot from
operation.
NEVER fill or drain tank indoors.
Replace fuel cap securely and wipe up spilled fuel.
ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards, and
panels in good repair, in place and securely fastened.
NEVER modify or remove safety devices.
Ensure Safety Interlock System is functioning properly.
DO NOT operate unit if safety interlock is damaged or
disabled.
Before starting engine: disengage PTO, place direction
control pedal in neutral, lower attachment and set
parking brake.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and cause an
accident. Operate unit only when there is good visibility
and light.
Avoid slippery surfaces. ALWAYS be sure of your
footing.
To avoid sliding, DO NOT operate on wet grass.
ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances carefully
before operation.
ALWAYS be aware of traffic when operating along
streets or curbs. Set up safety signs and/or flags.
Keep children out of work area and under the watchful
care of a responsible adult.
Keep children away from battery.
Operational Safety
Keep people away from unit during operation.
Never carry passengers.
Avoid uneven and rough terrain. DO NOT operate near
drop offs, ditches, or embankments. Unit can suddenly
turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.
DO NOT try to stabilize unit by putting foot on ground.
Thrown materials can cause injury and property
damage. DO NOT point discharge at anyone. DO NOT
discharge directly onto paved or gravel surfaces.
Always stand clear of the discharge area when
operating this unit.
Operate up and down slopes, not across slopes. DO
NOT operate on slopes more than 10°.
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