•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage
all blade attachment clutches, shift into neutral,
and engage the parking brake.
•
Remember, there is no such thing as a safe slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To
guard against overturning:
– Do not stop or start suddenly when going up
or downhill.
– Machine speed should be kept low on slopes
and during tight turns.
– Stay alert for humps and hollows and other
hidden hazards.
– Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
– Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights as
recommended in the Operator's Manual.
•
Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden
hazards.
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
•
Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
•
When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow
anyone near the machine while in operation.
•
Never operate the machine with damaged guards,
shields, or without safety protective devices in
place. Be sure that all interlocks are attached,
adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speed may increase the hazard of
personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position, do the
following:
– Stop on level ground.
– Disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments.
– Change into neutral and set the parking brake.
– Stop the engine and remove the key.
•
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting
or not in use.
•
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
for the following:
– before refuelling
– before removing the grass catcher/catchers
– before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position
– before clearing blockages
– before checking, cleaning or working on the
mower
– after striking a foreign object or if an abnormal
vibration occurs. Inspect the mower for
damage and make repairs before restarting
and operating the equipment
•
Reduce the engine speed setting during engine
run-out and, if the engine is provided with a shut-off
valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to be
sure of a clear path.
•
Slow down and use caution when making
turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop
cylinders/reels if not mowing.
•
Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do
not operate the machine; seek shelter.
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
that the equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank
inside a building, where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
•
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer/muffler, battery compartment and fuel
storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive
grease.
•
Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
•
Keep all parts in good working condition and all
hardware and hydraulic fittings tightened. Replace
all worn or damaged parts and decals.
•
If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
•
Be careful during adjustment of the machine to
prevent entrapment of the fingers between moving
blades and fixed parts of the machine.
•
On multi-cylinder/multi-reel machines, take care
as rotating one cylinder/reel can cause other
cylinders/reels to rotate.
•
Disengage drives, lower the cutting units, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove key from
ignition. Wait for all movement to stop before
adjusting, cleaning, or repairing the machine.
5