Walker R21 Operator's Manual page 16

Safety Instructions
● Never attempt to disable or mow without
the safety switches functioning properly.
These switches are designed to keep the
operator safe. Regularly check to ensure the
switches are operating as designed. This
information is provided in the Maintenance
section "Check Safety Switch System" on
page 41. If a safety switch is not functioning
properly, do not use the mower until it can be
repaired by a Walker Dealer.
● Do not run the engine in a confined area
without adequate ventilation. Exhaust
fumes are hazardous and can be deadly.
● Do not carry passengers - maximum seating
capacity is one (1) person.
● Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the ter-
rain and for other hidden hazards. When
mowing tall grass, mow higher than desired to
expose any hidden obstacles. Then, clean the
area and mow to the desired height.
● Avoid sudden starts or stops.
● Before backing the machine up, look to the
rear to be sure no one is behind the ma-
chine. Watch carefully for traffic when cross-
ing or working near roadways.
When moving forward, do not suddenly put
●
the tractor in reverse by rapidly pulling on
the steering levers, especially when going
downhill, as this can lift the tractor tail wheel
off the ground and set up a bucking motion
due to operator overcontrol. If bucking does
occur, immediately stop the bucking action by
pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) lever
into the NEUTRAL-PARK position.
● Disengage the blade drive when transport-
ing the machine across drives, sidewalks,
etc.
● Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running, except where
specifically instructed to do so.
● Never raise the mower deck while blades
are rotating.
12
DANGER
Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet (1.5
meters) of an embankment, retaining wall with
drop off, drainage ditch, water, or other haz-
ard.
● The maximum recommended slope oper-
ating angle is 15 degrees or 27% grade.
When operating the machine on a slope:
□ Reduce speed and use caution to start,
stop, and maneuver.
□ Avoid sharp turns or sudden changes in
direction to prevent tipping or loss of con-
trol of the machine.
□ Do not operate the machine on a slope
greater than 15 degrees.
DANGER
Do not mow around overhanging tree branch-
es or bushes at the same height as the opera-
tor's torso and head where inadvertent contact
may cause injury.
● Never adjust cutting height with the engine
running. Before adjusting cutting height or
servicing, disengage the blade clutch (PTO),
engage parking brake, stop the engine, and
remove the ignition key. Wait for all move-
ment to stop before getting off the seat.
NOTE: A blade brake should normally stop
drive line rotation within five (5) seconds of
disengaging the PTO clutch.
● Do not operate the mower with the grass
deflector shield removed from the deck.
Keep the deflector shield in the lowest pos-
sible position when mowing.
● Do not move tractor with the deck in tilt-up
position.
R21