Safe Operation Practices - Cub Cadet Challenger 400 Operator's Manual

Important Safe Operation Practices
WARNING:
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of
yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions
may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol.
WARNING:
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
DANGER:
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment,
carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
Operation
General Operation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the vehicle and in the manual before
attempting to operate or service vehicle.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
2. This is an off-road utility vehicle and it should
not be operated on public highways. Know and
comply with all laws and regulations governing
the use of off-highway vehicles in your area.
3. This vehicle handles and maneuvers differently
than a normal passenger car. High speed turns
and abrupt maneuvers can cause vehicle to
roll over or go out of control. Slow down when
turning and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
4. Handling and maneuvering characteristics of
vehicle change depending upon driving mode
and cargo load, particularly when operating
on paved surfaces. Heavy loads affect steering,
braking, stability, and overall handling of
vehicle.
5. Be familiar with all instructions and controls
and their proper operation before starting
vehicle.
6. Never allow adults to operate this vehicle
without proper instruction.
7. Never allow children under 16 years old to
operate this vehicle. Children 16 years old and
over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent
unless driver has obtained a state-issued motor
vehicle driver's license.
8. Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways. This vehicle is not intended
for use on any public roadway.
9. Do not operate this vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
10. Never carry more than one passenger. This
vehicle is designed to carry the driver and one
passenger only. No riders are allowed in cargo
bed or anywhere else on vehicle, except in the
driver and passenger seats.
11. Keep all body parts (i.e. head, arms, hands, legs,
feet) inside vehicle when vehicle is in motion.
12. Always remain seated and keep both hands on
the steering wheel when driving the vehicle.
HEED ITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
13. Sit on the center of the seat and keep both feet
within the foot platform perimeter. Clean foot
platform if dirty and remove any debris from
around foot controls, e.g. brake pedal.
14. Do not misuse the utility vehicle. It is a utility
vehicle, not a recreation vehicle or toy.
Recreational riding can lead to accidents,
severe bodily injury or death.
15. Inspect area around vehicle before moving,
especially in reverse. Back up slowly. Always
look down and behind before and while
backing to avoid a back-over accident. Keep
bystanders out of area.
16. Avoid driving through water, since loss of
control may occur. Drive belt may slip if
exposed to water thus reducing vehicle pulling
power and stopping vehicle entirely.
17. Always use vehicle lights while operating in low
light situations.
18. Do not enter or leave vehicle while it is in
motion or in actual operation.
19. Avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns and always
use a level turn-around area.
20. Never leave vehicle unattended with the key
in the ignition. Always turn key to the "Stop"
position, set the parking brake and remove key.
21. Check overhead clearances carefully before
driving under low hanging tree branches, wires,
power lines, bridges, before entering or leaving
buildings, or in any other situation where the
operator and/or operator protective structure
(OPS) may be struck, which could result in
serious injury.
22. Use the seat belt for safe operation.
Overturning the utility vehicle without the seat
belt fastened, can result in death or injury.
23. Improper use of the vehicle or failure to
properly maintain it could result in decreased
vehicle performance or personal injury.
24. Engine must be stopped when cleaning,
servicing, adjusting, repairing, or installing
attachments on utility vehicle.
25. After an unexpected impact, stop the unit
and shut off the engine. Inspect for damage
and repair the damage before restarting and
operating equipment.
26. Do not start or operate vehicle indoors, unless
it is adequately ventilated. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide fumes, which are
very poisonous and can be deadly.
27. Do not change engine governor setting or over
speed the engine. The governor is set at the
factory for safe operating speed.
28. Assure neutral safety interlock switch is
adjusted correctly so engine cannot be started
unless shift lever is in the neutral position.
29. Do not touch engine or muffler while engine is
running or within 30 minutes after it is stopped.
They will be hot and can cause a burn.
30. Always inspect your vehicle each time you use
it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in this
manual.
31. If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgement.
Contact your local service center or call toll free
1-877-282-8684 for the name of your nearest
service center.
Occupant Size and Capacity
1. Make sure operators are at least 16 years old
and have a valid driver's license.
2. Each occupant should be able to sit with their
back against the seat, feet flat on the floor, and
hands on the steering wheel or handholds.
3. The operator should be tall enough to wear the
seat belt properly and reach all controls.
4. Passengers should also be tall enough for the
seat belt to fit properly and be able to brace
themselves, as necessary, by placing both
feet firmly on the floor while gripping the
handholds. Keep all body parts completely
inside the vehicle.
Dress Properly
1. Proper clothing can reduce the severity of
injury in the event of an accident.
2. Always wear appropriate eye protection and
protective clothing. It is also recommended
that you wear a properly fitting D.O.T. approved
helmet.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
rollover accidents, which can result in severe injury
or death. If a slope is steeper than a 15° incline, do
not operate this unit on that area. Exercise extreme
caution while operating on slopes.
2
3