Howard ROTAVATOR 300 Operating Instructions Manual page 5

Rotavator 300
FOLLOWING OPERATION
• Visually inspect the Rotavator and check:
- All bolts are tight.
- That no components are excessively worn, cracked,
damaged or otherwise defective.
• Note and organise any maintenance required.
• Allow the Rotavator sufficient time to cool down before
performing any maintenance. The gearboxes, lubricant
and other transmission components may be hot enough
to inflict burns.
• Refer to TRANSPORT SAFETY and STORAGE SAFETY
for issues related to travel to/from operation and
disconnection of the Rotavator from the tractor.
STORAGE SAFETY
• When unhitching the Rotavator and before leaving the
tractor to disconnect the universal drive shaft and remove
hitch pins:
- Check that the PTO drive has been disengaged.
- Stop the tractor, apply the park brake and remove the
key.
• Store the Rotavator away from human activity and in
particular do not permit children to play around, or on,
stored equipment.
• Store the Rotavator in a dry level area and ensure
parkstands and wheels/roller are securely positioned to
prevent it tipping, falling over or rolling onto any personnel
(particularly children).
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
• Maintain the Rotavator as detailed in the given schedule
and check for any damage after use. Poor maintenance
is an invitation to trouble.
• Ensure that all shielding is correctly in place when
maintenance is completed. Repair or replace any
damaged guards. Warning or instruction decals are to
be kept in a readable condition; unreadable decals must
be replaced.
• NEVER place hands or feet under the Rotavator nor
endeavour to make any repairs or adjustments, while the
blades are rotating; they are capable of inflicting serious
injury.
• If working on the implement whilst it is raised on the
tractor's three-point linkage, ensure:
- That the tractor is turned off and the ignition key is re-
moved to prevent accidental starting.
- The park brake is engaged and the wheels chocked to
prevent the tractor moving.
- The PTO drive is disengaged.
- The Rotavator is properly supported by blocks or
stands. DO NOT rely on the tractor's hydraulic system
to support the implement.
• Modifications or fitment of non genuine replacement parts.
- If the equipment is modified in any way from the origi-
nal design, the manufacturer will not accept any liability
for any injury or warranty as a result of their use or
attempted fitment.
• Fasteners.
- Fit only the correct replacement fasteners and tighten
fasteners to the torque specified in the manual.
Incorrect (too weak) fasteners may break when torqued
to the required setting or, if too strong, may induce
failures in other components.
• Follow safe workshop practices during any maintenance:
- Keep working area clean, dry and in particular free of
oil spills.
- Ensure the workshop is adequately ventilated. Do not
run the tractor engine inside a closed building. The
exhaust fumes can reduce mental alertness initially and
will progressively cause death by asphyxiation.
- Use tools, lifting or jacking equipment suitably capable
of the intended task.
- Ensure electrical equipment is safe to use before
operating.
- A fire extinguisher and first aid kit should be readily
accessible during maintenance.
- Tools, parts and other service equipment must be re-
moved to appropriate storage locations prior to any test
running.
- Do not wear baggy, ill-fitting or frayed clothing when
working around transmission components.
- Wear suitable gloves when handling or working with
sharpened cutting elements.
- Ensure bystanders, especially small children, are kept
clear during maintenance or while making any
adjustments.
• Hydraulic fluid can be dangerous.
- When disconnecting any hydraulic fluid line, shut off
the hydraulic supply and relieve the hydraulic pressure.
- Never use hands to locate hydraulic fluid leaks.
Escaping hydraulic fluid is capable of cutting and
penetrating skin. Use a small piece of cardboard or
wood.
- Minor cuts are susceptible to infection from hydraulic
fluid. Gangrene can result. If injured by escaping
hydraulic fluid or you suspect you have been infected,
seek medical treatment immediately.
TRANSPORT SAFETY
• When transporting the implement on a tractor on public
roads ensure that you comply with the relevant
regulations.
- Class of roads permitted for travel may be restricted.
- Transport may restricted to daylight or, off peak traffic
hours.
- Signs indicating width may be required.
- Lights indicating vehicle width if transported within the
hours of darkness may be required.
If in doubt, contact your government department responsible
for road transport.
• Secure the Rotavator for transport.
- Disengage the PTO when transporting.
- Ensure all hitch pins are correctly fitted with retaining
pins.
- Mechanically secure hydraulic cylinders to prevent
cylinders creeping.
• Observe the tractor manufacturers regulations and
recommendations - specifically those relating to:
- Maximum transport loads.
- Maximum speed.
• Passengers
15