•
Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to
stop or shift while on a slope.
•
Do not mow or operate machine on wet grass. Tires
may lose traction. • • • Tires may lose traction on slopes
even though the brakes are functioning properly.
•
Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly, straight down the slope.
•
Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
•
Use extra care while operating machine with grass-
catchers or other attachments, they can affect stability
of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes.
•
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or
bodies of water. The machine could suddenly roll over if
a wheel goes over the edge or the edge caves in.
•
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights for added stability when
operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted at-
tachments. Remove weights when not required.
•
Drive machine very slowly and avoid quick stops when
attachment is removed.
•
Transport machine with decks lowered to improve
stability.
Keep Riders Off
•
Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders
off.
•
Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by
foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing seri-
ous injury.
•
Riders obstruct the operator's view resulting in the ma-
chine being operated in an unsafe manner.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
•
Hydraulic hoses and lines can fail due to physical dam-
age, kinks, age, and exposure. Check hoses and lines
regularly. Replace damaged hoses and lines.
•
Hydraulic fluid connections can loosen due to physical
damage and vibration. Check connections regularly.
Tighten loose connections.
•
Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin
causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving
pressure before disconnecting hydraulic or other lines.
Tighten all connections before applying pressure.
•
Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard. Protect
hands and body from high pressure fluids.
•
If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any
fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed
within a few hours or gangrene may result. Doctors
unfamiliar with this type of injury should reference a
knowledgeable medical source.
Checking Wheel Hardware
•
A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if
wheel hardware is not tight.
•
Check wheel hardware tightness often during the first
SAFETY
100 hours of operation.
•
Wheel hardware must be tightened to specified torque
using the proper procedure anytime it is loosened.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
•
Always wear safety goggles, or safety glasses with side
shields, and a hard hat when operating the machine.
•
Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment ap-
propriate for the job.
•
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
•
Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs.
Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
Maintenance and Storage
•
Never operate machine in a closed area where danger-
ous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Disengage drives, lower implement, lock parking brake,
stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug
(for gas engines). Wait for all movement to stop before
adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
•
Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, muf-
flers, and engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage.
•
Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
•
Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store
fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•
Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine. Understand service
procedure before doing work.
•
Use jack stands or lock service latches to support com-
ponents when required. Securely support any machine
elements that must be raised for service work.
•
Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully
release pressure from any components with stored
energy, such as hydraulic components or springs.
•
Release hydraulic pressure by lowering attachment or
cutting units to the ground or to a mechanical stop and
move hydraulic control levers back and forth.
•
Disconnect battery or remove spark plug (for gas
engines) before making any repairs. Disconnect the
negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect
positive first and negative last.
•
Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blades or
wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them.
Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
•
Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry and long hair away
from moving parts. If possible, do not make adjust-
ments with the engine running.
•
Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away
from spark and flames. Unplug charger before con-
necting or disconnecting from battery. • Wear protective
clothing and use insulated tools.
•
Keep all parts in good working condition and all hard-
ware tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
•
Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
SAFETY - 7