Safe Servicing Practices - HUSTLER 3500 Owner's Manual

Safe Servicing Practices

IMPORTANT:
This product is capable of amputating
hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
Service
V Unless specifically required, DO NOT have engine
running when servicing or making adjustments to trac-
tor. Park the machine on level ground. Place park
brake lever in the brake engaged position, place the
PTO lever in the "OFF" position, lower attachment,
remove ignition switch key and disconnect negative
battery cable before doing any maintenance. Wait for
all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or
repairing. Repairs or maintenance requiring engine
power should be performed by trained maintenance
personnel only. To prevent carbon monoxide poison-
ing, be sure proper ventilation is available when engine
must be operated in an enclosed area.
observe safety warnings in front of manual.
V Before working on or under the deck, make certain
engine cannot be accidentally started. Shut engine off,
remove ignition switch key, engage park brake and dis-
connect negative battery cable for maximum safety.
Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should
be performed by trained maintenance personnel only.
V Except when changing or checking belt, always keep
safety shields and covers in place.
V Use a stick or similar instrument to clean under the
mower making sure that no part of the body, especially
arms and hands are under mower.
V Keep your machine clean and remove any deposits of
trash and clippings, which can cause engine fires and
cooling system overheating as well as excessive belt
wear. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
V Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent
fires by keeping the top of the deck, engine com-
partment, radiator screen, front screen, exhaust
area, battery, hydraulic lines, fuel line, fuel tank
and operator's station clean of accumulated trash,
grass clippings, and other debris. Always clean up
spilled fuel and oil.
V Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing
the hydraulic system, cooling system, battery or when
grinding mower blades and removing accumulated
debris.
V Use extra caution when handling diesel fuel. It is flam-
mable and vapors are explosive.
V Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong
odor of diesel fumes present. Locate and correct
cause.
V Never remove fuel cap or refuel tractor while engine is
running; never refuel near an open flame or near
devices which can create a spark. Refuel outdoors.
Never refuel or drain the fuel from the machine
indoors.
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MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
Read and
V Never run the engine in an enclosed area unless
exhaust is vented to the outside. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide which is odorless and deadly poison.
V Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to
the tractor drive system, mower deck or any attachment
while the tractor engine is running or PTO is engaged.
Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should
be performed by trained maintenance personnel only.
V Never work under the machine or attachment unless it
is safely supported with jack stands. Make certain
machine is secure when it is raised and placed on the
jack stands. The jack stands should not allow the
machine to move when the engine is running and the
drive wheels are rotating. Use only certified jack
stands. Use only appropriate jack stands, with a mini-
mum weight rating of 3500 pounds to block the unit
up. Use in pairs only. Follow the instructions supplied
with the vehicle stands.
V Do not touch hot parts of machine.
V Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attach-
ment bolts. Keep equipment in good working condi-
tion.
V Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation daily.
V Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear the dis-
charge chute with the engine running. Turn off the
engine and be sure the blades have stopped before
cleaning. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area.
Never use your hand!
V Grass collection system components are subject to
wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
V Exercise caution when working under the deck as the
mower blades are extremely sharp. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing
them. Take care as the rotation of one blade can cause
the other blades to rotate.
V Use only genuine Hustler replacement parts to ensure
that original standards are maintained
Introduction
Regular maintenance is the best prevention for costly
downtime or expensive, premature repair. The following
pages contain suggested maintenance information and
schedules which the operator should follow on a routine basis.
For more detailed information order the correct parts manual
for your unit. Refer to the Product Literature section of this
manual.
Remain alert for unusual noises, they could be signaling a
problem. Visually inspect the machine for any abnormal wear
or damage. A good time to detect potential problems is while
performing scheduled maintenance service. Correcting the
problem as quickly as possible is the best insurance.
Clear away heavy build-up of grease, oil and dirt, especially
in the engine and under the seat platform areas; minute dust
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