Operation - Exmark Viking Hydro Operator's Manual

1.4

OPERATION

Although hazard control and accident prevention are partially dependent upon the
design and configuration of the equipment, these factors are also dependent upon
the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of the personnel involved in
the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the equipment. It is essential
that all Operator Safety Mechanisms be connected and in operating condition prior
to use for mowing.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
♦ Operating engine parts, especially the muffler, become
extremely hot.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
♦ Severe burns can occur on contact.
♦ Debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
♦ Allow engine parts, especially the muffler, to cool before
touching.
♦ Remove accumulated debris from muffler and engine area.
♦ Install and maintain in working order a spark arrester before
using equipment on forest-covered, grass-covered, or
brush-covered unimproved land.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
♦ Hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories can become
entangled in rotating parts.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
♦ Contact with rotating parts can cause traumatic amputation
or severe lacerations.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
♦ Do not operate the machine without guards, shields, and
safety devices in place and working.
♦ Keep hands, feet, hair, jewelry, or clothing away from
rotating parts.
1.4.1 Give complete, undivided attention to the job at hand.
1.4.2 Mow only in daylight or good artificial light, keeping away from holes and hidden
hazards. Do Not operate the mower when children or others are in the area.
1.4.3 When feasible, avoid operating the equipment in wet grass.
1.4.4 Use EXTREME caution when mowing and/or turning on slopes as loss of
traction and/or control could occur. Mow across slopes with walk behind
mowers, never up and down. Loss of control and/or loss of operator's footing
could result in a fall with an arm or leg getting under the mower or engine deck
and sustaining serious injury. Drive slower on slopes. Progressively greater
care is needed as the slope increases. DO NOT operate on slopes greater than
20 degrees. Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises which can cause
erratic handlebar movement and loss of footing. Keep away from drop-offs and
steep banks. Avoid sudden starts. Look down and behind you before and while
moving backwards. DO NOT mow slopes when grass is wet - slippery
conditions create hazardous footing, affect steering, and reduce traction and
braking. The operator is responsible for safe operation on slopes. See inside
back cover to determine the approximate slope angle of the area to be mowed.
WARNING
WARNING
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