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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.
O
I. Training
Reed the instructions carefully.
Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the ins-
tructioas to use the lawnmower. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
•
Never mow while people, especially childran, or pets are
nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards eccurdng to other people or their
property.
All ddvers should
seek and obtain professional
and
practical instruction.
Such instruction
should empha-
size:
- the need for care and concentration
when working
with ride-on machines;
- control of a dde-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 gdp;
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
While mowing, always wear substantial
footwear and
long trousers.
Do not operate the equipment
when
barefoot or weadng 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.
- It 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 startthe engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Do not use on slopes of more than 1O°.
Remember the re is no such thing as a "safe" slope. Travel
on grass slopes
requires particular
care.
To guard
against overtuming;
- do not stop or start suddenly
when going
up or
downhill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially
when traveling
downhifl;
- 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 not 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
matedal towardbystanders
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 govemorsettings
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 ddve 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
lawnmower;
-
afterstrikingaforeignobject.
Inspectthelawnmower
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.
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
-
before refueling;
-
before removing the grass catcher;
- before making
height adjustment
unless adjust-
ment can be made from the operator's position.
Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if
the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel
off at the conclusion of mowing,
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