Use and Care Manual

Safety - 10
SAFETY
Operating Near Hazards
MX51887
Picture Note: Example side view of slope and hazards, showing
areas (A), (B), and (C).
• Do not mow or operate machine in areas adjacent to hazards that may
cause the machine to roll over. The machine could suddenly lose traction,
slide, and/or roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge breaks
away.
• Hazards (A) include but are not limited to:
• Drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or bodies of water.
• Areas of unsafe slope, soft ground, edges along bodies of water, or
area with holes, ruts, bumps, or other hidden objects.
• Maintain a buffer area (B) at least as wide as the machine between
hazards (A) and the mowing area (C). Do not mow or operate the machine
in the hazard area or buffer area.
• Only mow or operate the machine in the mowing area (C). Do not
exceed the recommended slope operating angle. Refer to the "Operate
Safely on Slopes" section.
• Use a walk-behind mower or string trimmer in and around areas (A) and
(B).
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 serious injury.
• Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the machine being
operated in an unsafe manner.
Towing Loads Safely
• Stopping distance increases with speed and weight of towed load. Travel
slowly and allow extra time and distance to stop.
• Total towed weight must not exceed combined weight of pulling machine,
ballast and operator. Use counterweights or wheel weights as described in
the attachment or pulling machine operator’s manual.
• Excessive towed load can cause loss of traction and loss of control on
slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• Use only approved hitches. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch
designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
approved hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limits for towed
equipment and towing on slopes.
• Towed attachments will increase the risk of rollover. Refer to the
“Operating on Slopes” section for more information.
• Do not turn sharply. Use additional caution when turning or operating
under adverse surface conditions. Use care when reversing.
• Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Always wear eye protection when operating
the machine.
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety
equipment appropriate for the job.
• While operating this machine, 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.
Driving Safely on Public Roads
Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a
collision with another vehicle on public roads:
• Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving
machines when driven on public roads are
hard to see, especially at night.
• Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing warning lights and turn
signals according to local regulations. Extra flashing warning lights may
need to be installed.
Practice Safe Maintenance
• Only qualified, trained adults should service
this machine. Understand service procedure
before doing work.
• Never operate machine in a closed area
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts, to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil
or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to
cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if
necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Wait for
all movement to stop on machine before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
• Check grasscatcher components and the discharge guard frequently and
replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
B
C
A
A
B
C