Table of Contents
Advertisement
1. Safety
Rules
&
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride-On
Mowers
IMPORTANT:
THIS CUTTING
MACHINE
IS CAPABLE
OF AMPUTATING
HANDS
AND FEET AND THROWING
OBJECTS.
FAILURE
TO OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
COULD
RESULT
IN SERIOUS
INJURY
OR DEATH.
(_
I. TRAiNiNG
Read the instructions
carefully.
Be familiar
with the controls
and the proper
use of the equipment.
Never allow children
or people unfamiliar
with the instruc-
tions to use the lawnmower.
Local regulations
may restrict
the age of the operator.
Never mow while people,
especially
children,
or pets are
nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator
or user is responsible
for
accidents
or hazards
occurring
to other
people
or their
property.
Do not carry
passengers.
All drivers
should
seek and obtain professional
and prac-
tical instruction.
Such instruction
should
emphasize:
the need
for care
and concentration
when
working
with ride-on
machines;
control
of a ride-on
machine
sliding
on a slope will
not be regained
by the application
of the brake.
The main reasons
for loss of control
are:
a) insufficient
wheel
grip;
b) being driven too fast;
c) inadequate
braking;
d) the type of machine
is unsuitable
for its task;
e) lack
of
awareness
of
the
effect
of
ground
conditions,especially
slopes;
f)
incorrect
hitching
and load distribution.
II. PREPARATION
To reduce
the risk of fire - before use, when refueling
and
at the end of each mowing
session
- inspect
and remove
any debris
buildup
from the tractor,
mower
and behind
al
guards.
While mowing,
always wear substantial
footwear
and long
trousers.
Do not operate
the equipment
when
barefoot
or wearing
open
sandals.
Thoroughly
inspect
the area where
the equipment
is to
be used and remove
all objects
which
may be thrown
by
the machine.
WARNING
- Petrol
is highly flammable.
Store fuel in containers
specifically
designed
for this
purpose.
Refuel
outdoors
only and do not smoke
while
refu-
eling.
Add fuel before
starting
the engine.
Never
remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine
is running
or when the engine
is hot.
If petrol
is spilled,
do not attempt
to start the engine
but move the machine
away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating
any source
of ignition
until petrol
vapors
have dissipated.
Replace
all fuel tanks and container
caps securely.
Replace
faulty silencers.
Before
using,
always
visually
inspect
to see
that the
blades,
blade bolts and cutter
assembly
are not worn or
damaged.
Replace
worn
or damaged
blades
and bolts
in sets to preserve
balance.
On multi-bladed
machines,
take care as rotating
one blade
can cause
other blades
to rotate.
III. OPERATION
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Do not use on slopes of more than 5 °.
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 down-
hill;
engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when traveling downhill;
machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
Limit loads to those you can safely control.
Do net turn sharply.
Use care when reversing.
Use counterweight(s)
or wheel weights when sug-
gested in the instruction handbook.
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
Stop the blades from 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 lawnmower
with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
Before leaving the operator's position:
disengage the power take-off and lower the attach-
ments;
change into neutral and set the parking brake;
stop the engine and remove the key.
Disengage drive to attachments,
stop the engine, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key
before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn-
mower;
after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment;
if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check
immediately).
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not
in use.
3
Advertisement
Table of Contents
