Use and Care Manual

Operating Near Hazards
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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
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• 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
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• Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.
• Wear close tting 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
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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 ashing warning lights and
turn signals according to local regulations. Extra ashing warning
lights may need to be installed.
Practice Safe Maintenance
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• Only qualied, 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.
Safety
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