HUSTLER MDV Operator's Manual page 11

 Never leave the vehicle unattended with the ignition
key in the switch, especially with children present.
 Children or bystanders may be injured if they attempt
to move or to operate the vehicle while it is unat-
tended. Always engage the park brake, place the gear
select lever in the neutral position, stop the engine,
and remove the ignition key when leaving the opera-
tor's seat.
 Be alert, stop the vehicle, and turn the vehicle off if
children enter the area.
 Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
 Never carry children under the age of sixteen. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe vehicle operation. The three point seat belt may
not provide adequate protection for anyone under the
age of sixteen.
 Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the vehicle area for another ride
and be run over or backed over by the vehicle.
 Never allow children under the age of sixteen to oper-
ate the vehicle.
 Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Pulling or Hauling Loads
 Hauling cargo can alter vehicle handling and may
cause loss of control or brake instability, which can
result in serious injury or death.
 Drive slowly when towing. The vehicle should never
exceed a speed that allows for safe operating control
and adequate braking distance.
 Drive slowly. Allow a greater distance for braking.
 Pull only from the trailer hitch. Attaching to any other
point increases the risk of serious personal injury or
death.
 Only tow on level ground with the Gear Select Lever in
the LOW RANGE position.
 Do not stand between the vehicle and trailer unless the
park brake is engaged.
 Never allow riders on the towed equipment.
 Drive slowly when the cargo bed is loaded and do not
overload. Avoid sudden starts or stops, load could shift.
 Never exceed the approved load capacity.
 Always load the cargo bed with the load as far forward
and as low as possible.
 Cargo bed loads can shift during vehicle braking which
can affect vehicle stability. Make certain load is evenly
balanced and secured properly to prevent shifting.
 Do not load above height of cargo bed. Load could
shift forward injuring the driver or passenger.
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 Make certain the load's center-of-gravity is as low as
possible and avoid any load that is top-heavy.
 Make certain none of the load extends outside the
cargo bed. If this is unavoidable use extreme caution.
Stability and maneuverability may be adversely
affected, which could result in loss of control, property
damage, or personal injury.
 Heavy loads can cause braking and control problems.
Use extreme caution when applying brakes with a
loaded vehicle. Avoid terrain or situations that may
require backing downhill.
 Reduce the amount or weight of cargo and slow down
when operating on rough or hilly terrain.
 Operate the cargo bed dump only with the vehicle sta-
tionary on level ground and the parking brake engaged.
Do not dump the cargo bed while the vehicle is moving.
 Avoid crushing! Be careful not to put any part of your
body, such as hands or arms, between the bed and
vehicle.
 Do not place fingers or hands between the tailgate and
the cargo bed when closing; fingers or hands may be
pinched or severely injured.
Raising and Lowering the Cargo Bed
 Make sure the vehicle is on a firm, level surface and
the parking brake is engaged before tilting the cargo
bed.
 Do not put any part of body between cargo bed and
vehicle. To prevent injury, use only the handgrips pro-
vided.
 Do not put any part of body between cargo bed and the
ground.
 Always lower the cargo bed to the transport position
before driving. If the vehicle is driven while the cargo
bed is raised the payload may cause the vehicle to tip.
Inclement Weather Conditions
 Never operate the vehicle when there is a risk for light-
ning.
 Never drive faster than the limit of visibility. Slow
down near the crest of a hill until there is a clear view
of the other side.
 Allow for additional stopping distance.
 Do not apply heavy braking force or accelerate when
skidding to prevent loss of control.
 Maintain low speeds on areas covered with clay, mud,
ice or snow to prevent uncontrolled skidding. Ensure
that the traction control switch is placed in the posi-
tion appropriate for the conditions.
 If conditions are such that the vehicle may slide or
skid during operation then:
• Reduce vehicle speed.
• Do not suddenly apply the brakes or accelerate to
prevent loss of control.
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