Kubota M4N-071 Operator's Manual page 14

SAFE OPERATION
• If the tractor is equipped with a foldable ROPS, it
may be temporarily lowered only when absolutely
necessary for areas with height constraints.
There is no operator protection provided by the
ROPS in the lowered position. For operator safety,
the ROPS should be placed in the upright and
locked position and the seat belt fastened for all
other operations.
• Always use the seat belt if the tractor has a CAB or
ROPS. Do not use the seat belt if the foldable
ROPS is down or if there is no ROPS. Check the
seat belt regularly and replace if frayed or
damaged.
(1) ROPS
OPERATING THE TRACTOR
Operator safety is a priority. Safe operation, specifically
with respect to overturning
understanding the equipment
conditions at the time of use.
Some prohibited uses which can affect overturning
hazards include traveling and turning with implements,
loads carried too high and so on. This manual sets forth
some of the obvious risks, but the list is not, and cannot
be, exhaustive. It is the operator's responsibility to be
alert for any equipment or environmental condition that
could compromise safe operation.
1. Starting to operate the tractor
• Always sit in the operator's seat when starting
engine or operating levers or controls. Adjust seat
as per instructions in the operating the tractor
section. Never start engine while standing on the
ground.
• Before starting the engine, make sure that all levers
(including auxiliary control levers) are in their
neutral positions, that the parking brake is engaged,
and that both the clutch and the power take-off
(PTO) are disengaged or "OFF". Fasten the seat
belt if the tractor has a CAB, a fixed ROPS or a
foldable ROPS in the upright and locked position.
8
(2) Seat belt
hazards, entails
and environmental
• Do not start engine by shorting across starter
terminals or bypassing the safety start switch. The
machine may start in gear and move if the normal
starting circuitry is bypassed.
• Do not operate or idle the engine in a non-
ventilated area. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless,
odorless, and deadly.
• Check that the operator presence control (OPC)
system is functioning correctly before each time you
use the tractor.
Test the safety systems.
(See Checking operator presence control (OPC)
system on page 109.)
Do not operate unless they are functioning
correctly.
2. Working the tractor
• Pull only from the drawbar. Never hitch to axle
housing or any other point except the drawbar;
such arrangements will increase the risk of serious
personal injury or death due to a tractor upset.
(1) Drawbar
• For trailing PTO-driven implements, set the drawbar
to the towing position.
• Attach pulled or towed loads to the drawbar only.
• Keep all shields and guards in place. Replace any
that are missing or damaged.
• Avoid sudden starts. To avoid upsets, slow down
when turning, on uneven ground, and before
stopping.
• The tractor cannot turn with the differential locked
and attempting to do so could be dangerous.
• Do not operate near ditches, holes, embankments,
or other ground surface features which may
collapse under the tractor's weight. The risk of
tractor upset is even higher when the ground is
loose or wet. Tall grass can hide obstacles; walk the
area first to be sure.
• Watch where you are going at all times. Watch for
and avoid obstacles. Be alert at row ends, near
trees, and other obstructions.
M4N-071, M5N-091, M5N-111