Use and Care Manual

• 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. 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 rst and
positive last. Install positive terminal rst 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 ywheel with a hammer or hard object because the
ywheel 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
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• 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 uid connections can loosen due to physical damage and
vibration. Check connections regularly. Tighten loose connections.
• Escaping uid 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 uids.
• If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any uid 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
• 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.
• Besides routine maintenance, one of the best ways to keep your
John Deere equipment running efciently and to reduce re risk is to
regularly remove debris buildup from the machine.
• After operating, allow machine to cool in an open area before
cleaning or storing. Do not park machine near ammable materials
such as wood, cloth or chemicals, or near an open ame or other
sources of ignition, such as a water heater or furnace.
• Completely remove any combustible materials from equipment
before storing, by emptying any grass catcher bags, containers and
cargo boxes.
• Debris can accumulate anywhere on the machine, especially on
horizontal surfaces. Remove grass and debris completely from
engine compartment, mufer area, and from on top of the mower
deck both before and after operating machine. Additional cleaning
may be necessary when mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
• In addition to cleaning machine before using and storing, keeping
engine area clean provides the greatest impact on re prevention.
Other areas requiring regular inspection and cleaning include behind
wheel rims, wire harness, hose or line routing, mowing attachments,
etc. Compressed air, leaf blowers, or high pressured water assists in
keeping these areas clean.
• Frequency of these inspections and cleaning will vary depending on
a number of factors including operating conditions, machine
conguration, 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.
• Excess lubrication or fuel/oil leaks or spills on the machine can also
serve as collection sites for debris. Prompt machine repair and oil
and fuel clean-up reduces the potential for debris collection.
• Bearing failures or overheating can result in a re. To reduce this
risk, always follow the instructions in the machine operator’s manual
regarding lubrication intervals and locations. Contact your local
dealer if you have any questions about the lubrication intervals or
location and if any unusual noises are coming from areas where
bearings might be located. 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.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and ttings frequently for cracks or leaks.
Replace if necessary.
Safety
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