Operator's Manual

3
CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER—“personal
safety instruction.” Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from the CEN standard EN
836:1997, ISO standard 5395:1990, and ANSI standard
B71.4-2004.
Training
• Read the Operator’s Manual and other training material
carefully. Be familiar with the controls, safety signs,
and the proper use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the mower. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to himself or herself,
other people, or property.
• Do not carry passengers.
• All drivers and mechanics should seek and obtain
professional and practical instruction. The owner is
responsible for training the users. Such instruction
should emphasize:
– the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-on machines;
– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will
not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are:
• insufficient wheel grip;
• being driven too fast;
• inadequate braking;
• the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
• lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions, especially slopes;
• incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear, long
trousers, hard hat, safety glasses, and ear protection.
Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in
moving parts. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
• Warning—fuel is highly flammable. Take the
following precautions:
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine
is running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
• Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not worn
or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety
switches, and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches, shift into neutral, and engage
the parking brake. Only start the engine from the
operator’s position. Use seat belts, if provided.
• Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel
on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard
against overturning:
– Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill.
– Engage the clutch slowly, always keep the machine
in gear, especially when travelling downhill.