Safety Precautions - HUSTLER FasTrak 926501 Owner's Manual

This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a message intended to
provide a reasonable degree of PERSONAL SAFETY for operators and
other persons during the normal operation and servicing of this equipment.
DANGER – denotes immediate hazards which WILL result in
severe personal injury or death.
WARNING - denotes a hazard or unsafe practice which COULD
result in severe personal injury or death.
This manual uses two other words to highlight information.
IMPORTANT calls attention to special mechanical information and
NOTE: emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.
All operators should read this manual, or be instructed about safe
operating and maintenance procedures. This is the owner's responsibility.
This machine meets or exceeds the B-71.1-1998 specifications of the
American National Standards Institute, in effect at the time of
production. However, improper use or maintenance by the operator
or owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the
safety alert L symbol, which means DANGER or WARNING -
"personal safety instructions." Failure to comply with the instructions
may result in personal injury or death.
Incorrect usage of this machine may result in severe injury.
Personnel operating and maintaining it should be trained in the proper
use and should read the manuals completely and thoroughly before
attempting to set-up, operate, adjust, or service this machine.
The Quick Reference Decals, located to the left of the seat, are designed
to give the operator brief information needed in the daily operation and
service of the machine. These decals are not intended to be used in place of
this manual but instead is to be used as an extension of this manual. These
decals should not be removed or obliterated. Replace these decals if they
become unreadable.
It is the owner's responsibility to make certain that the operator reads
and understands this manual and all decals before operating this machine.
It is also the owner's responsibility to make certain that the operator is a
qualified and physically able individual, properly trained in the operation of
this equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
The owner should also ensure that the operator/mechanic know that they
are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of other persons
within the vicinity. Remember, the operator is responsible for accidents or
hazards occurring to other people or their property.
Safe Operating Practices
Some of the following safety instructions are from ANSI Standard B-
71.1-1998 while others are specific to the Hustler FasTrak unit.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or
death.
Operation
L Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage deck
clutch, place control levers in park brake position, stop tractor
engine, and remove ignition key when leaving operator's seat.
L Always remain seated while operating machine.
L Always keep safety shields and covers in place, except for servicing.
L Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets when
mowing. Always stop machine if someone enters the area.
L Always operate machine in daylight or with adequate working
lights.
L Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses are tightly
secured and bolts are tightened.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2-1
L Always observe traffic laws while driving machine from one
location to another. Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
L Always be alert for hazards such as rocks, metal objects and other
debris which may be thrown or entangled by mower blades. Watch
out for holes or deep depressions.
L Always inspect machine for damage after striking a foreign object.
If damage is found, repair machine immediately. Be sure to
disengage deck clutch, place control levers in park brake position,
stop tractor engine, and remove ignition key when leaving
operator's seat to inspect damage.
L Always wear adequate ear protection, such as earplugs, when
operating this equipment as prolonged exposure to uncomfortable or
loud noises can cause impairment or loss of hearing. Do not wear
radios or music headphones while operating the machinery. Safe
operation requires your full attention.
L Always be aware of what is behind the machine before backing up.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while backing up.
L Never pull back suddenly on your control levers while the machine
is in forward motion.
L When going in reverse, push forward slowly on control levers and
avoid sudden movement. Rapid movement of the control levers in
either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause
serious injury.
L Never operate a poorly maintained machine.
L Never attempt high speed maneuvering, especially in crowded or
congested areas.
L Never allow persons to operate this machine without proper
instruction or allow children to operate machine. Allow only
responsible adults who are familiar with these instructions to operate
this machine.
L Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is
running.
L Never carry passengers.
L Never direct discharge of material from mower deck towards
bystanders. Do not operate the mower without either the discharge
chute or the entire grass collection system in place.
L Always disengage the blades and wait for them to stop before
crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
L Always keep clear of the mower blades and attachments during their
operation.
L Turn off blades when not mowing.
L Slow down before turning.
L Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the
discharge chute. Never clear the discharge 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!
L Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
L Exercise caution when loading or unloading the machine onto a
trailer or truck.
L Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when
operating the mower.
L Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved
in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These
operators should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
L Never make sudden starts, stops, turns, or reverse direction,
especially when maneuvering on slopes. The steering is designed
for sensitive response. Rapid movement of the control levers in
either direction could result in a reaction of the tractor that can cause
serious injury.
L If any attachment or additional weight is mounted on the rear of the
unit, any rapid movement of the control levers in either direction
365270 Rev. 9/03