Use and Care Manual

Safety - 11
SAFETY
Grasscatcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration
which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra
care when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause
other blades to rotate.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from any moving
parts, to prevent them from getting caught.
• Lower any attachments to the ground before cleaning or servicing
machine. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock park brake and
remove the key. Let machine cool.
• Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service
work. Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components
when needed.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire (for gasoline engines)
before making any repairs. Disconnect negative terminal first and positive
last. Install positive terminal first and negative last.
• Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully release pressure from
any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components or
springs.
• Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage
immediately. Replace worn or broken parts.
• Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area, away from sparks.
Unplug battery charger before connecting or disconnecting from the
battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
• Do not strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the
flywheel may later shatter during operation.
• If equipped with hydraulic lift - 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.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
• Hydraulic hoses and lines can fail due to
physical damage, 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. Such information is available from Deere
& Company Medical Department in Moline, Illinois, U.S.A. Information may
be obtained in the United States and Canada only by calling 1-800-822-
8262.
Prevent Fires
• Besides routine maintenance, one of the best
ways to keep your John Deere equipment
running efficiently and to reduce fire risk is to
regularly remove debris buildup from the
machine.
• Please review these recommendations with all
operators. See your John Deere dealer with
questions.
• Always follow all safety procedures posted on the machine and in this
operator manual. Before carrying out any inspection or cleaning, always
shut off engine, set parking brake and remove ignition key.
• After operating, allow machine to cool in an open area before cleaning or
storing. Do not park machine near flammable materials such as wood,
cloth or chemicals.
• Empty any grasscatcher bags or containers completely before storing.
• Frequency of these inspections and cleaning will vary depending on a
number of factors including operating conditions, machine configuration,
operating speeds and weather conditions particularly dry, hot and windy
conditions. When you are operating in these conditions, inspect and clean
these areas frequently throughout the day.
• Wind direction, terrain type and moisture content of surrounding
vegetation can effect where and how much debris accumulates.
• Debris can accumulate anywhere on the machine, especially on
horizontal surfaces.
• Keeping engine area clean will provide the greatest impact on fire
prevention. Other areas requiring regular inspection and cleaning include
behind wheel rims, wire harness, hose/line routings, mowing attachments,
etc. Compressed air, leaf blowers or high pressured water can assist
keeping these areas clean.
• Excess lubrication or fuel/oil leaks or spills on the machine can also
serve as collection sites for debris. Prompt machine repair and oil/fuel
cleanup will minimize the potential for debris collection and reduced
cooling throughout machine life.
• Bearing failures or overheating can result in a fire. To reduce this risk,
always follow the instructions in the machine operator’s manual regarding
lubrication intervals and locations. Washing the machine while warm may
also reduce bearing life and increase potential for premature bearing
failure.
• Always shut off fuel when storing or transporting machine, if the machine
has a fuel shutoff.
Handling Fuel Safely
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, use extreme care in handling fuel.
Fuel is extremely flammable and fuel
vapors are explosive:
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved fuel container. Use
only non-metal, portable fuel containers
approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory
(U.L.) or the American Society for Testing &
Materials (ASTM). If using a funnel, make sure
it is plastic and has no screen or filter.
• Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling.
• Never add fuel to or drain fuel from the machine indoors. Move machine