•
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 speeds 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 when
suggested 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 all
interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning
properly.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position:
– 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:
– before refuelling;
– 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 throttle 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 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.
•
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.
•
Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives,
silencers/mufflers, and engine to help prevent fires. Clean
up oil or fuel spillage.
•
Use jack stands to support components when required.
•
Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
•
Disconnect battery before making any repairs. Disconnect
the negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect
positive first and negative last.
•
Use care when checking the cylinders/reels. Wear gloves
and use caution when servicing them.
•
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible,
do not make adjustments with the engine running.
•
Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away
from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting
5