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Protect Children
MX18014
• Death or serious injury can occur when young children
associate having fun with a lawn mowing machine simply
because someone has given them a ride on a machine.
• Children are attracted to lawn mowing machines and mowing
activities. They don't understand the dangers of rotating blades
or the fact that the operator is unaware of their presence.
• Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or
backed over by the machine.
• Tragic accidents with children can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children, especially when a child
approaches a machine from behind. Before and while backing
up, stop mower blades and look down and behind the machine
carefully, especially for children.
• Never carry children on a machine or attachment, even with
the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. They can
fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine
operation.
• Never use the machine as a recreational vehicle or to entertain
children.
• Never allow children or an untrained person operate the
machine. Instruct all operators not to give children a ride on the
machine or in an attachment.
• Keep children indoors, out of the mowing area, and in the
watchful eye of a responsible adult, other than the operator,
when a mower is being operated.
• Stay alert to the presence of children. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them. Turn the
machine off if a child enters the work area.
Avoid Tipping
• Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects.
Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or
shift while on a slope.
• Do not mow or operate machine on wet grass. Tires may lose
traction. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the
brakes are functioning properly.
• Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If the tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly, straight
down the slope.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the
machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grasscatchers or
other attachments, they can affect stability of the machine. Do
not use on steep slopes.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or bodies
of water. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge caves in.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights
or counterweights for added stability when operating on slopes
or using front or rear mounted attachments. Remove weights
when not required.
• Drive machine very slowly and avoid quick stops when
attachment is removed.
• Transport machine with decks lowered to improve stability.
Keep Riders Off
• Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.
• Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign
objects or thrown off the machine causing serious injury.
• Riders obstruct the operator's view resulting in the machine
being operated in an unsafe manner.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
• Hydraulic hoses and lines can fail due to physical damage,
kinks, age, and exposure. Check hoses and lines regularly.
Replace damaged hoses and lines.
• Hydraulic fluid connections can loosen due to physical
damage and vibration. Check connections regularly. Tighten
loose connections.
• Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing
serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before
disconnecting hydraulic or other lines. Tighten all connections
before applying pressure.
• Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard. Protect hands and
body from high pressure fluids.
• If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid
injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few
hours or gangrene may result. Doctors unfamiliar with this type
of injury should reference a knowledgeable medical source.
Checking Wheel Hardware
• A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel
hardware is not tight.
• Check wheel hardware tightness often during the first 100
hours of operation.
• Wheel hardware must be tightened to specified torque using
the proper procedure anytime it is loosened.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Always wear safety goggles, or safety glasses with side
shields, and a hard hat when operating the machine.
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate
for the job.
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
• Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud
noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
GB - 6
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