Safety - Better Outdoor Products Quick Series Operator's Manual

Safety

Note: The addition of attachments made by other
manufacturers that do not meet American National
Standards Institute certification will cause
noncompliance of this machine. Improper use or
maintenance by the operator or owner can result in
injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with
these safety instructions and always pay attention to the
safety alert symbol , which means CAUTION,
WARNING, or DANGER-"personal safety instruction."
Failure to comply with the instruction may result in
personal injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.4-2004.
Training
• Read the Operator's Manual and other training
material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can't read
English it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the
age of the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself other
people or property.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasse s and hearing protection. Long hair, loose clothing
or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire
which can be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Do not smoke.
• Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that operator's presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
6
Safety
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from
the operator's position.
• Be sure of your footing while using this machine
especially when backing up. Walk, don't run. Never
operate on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel side to side on hillsides. Turf conditions can affect
the machine's stability. Use caution while operating near
drop-offs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never operate with the mower deck belt guard, or other
guards not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are
attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless u sing a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over
speed the engine.
• Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage
parking brake (if provided), shut off engine before
leaving the operator's position for any reason including
emptying the catcher or unclogging the chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting unit.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
• Keep pets and bystanders away.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone.
• Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine onto
or from a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
BetterOutdoorProducts.com