1. Safety
Rules
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CU'I-FING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATINGHANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
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I. Training
Readtheinstructions c arefully. Be familiarwith thecontrols
and the proper useof the equipment.
•
Never allowchildrenor people unfamiliar with the instruc-
tions to use the lawnmower. 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 occurringto other people or their
property.
•
Do not carry passengers.
Alldrivers shouldseek and obtainprofessional and prac-
tical instruction.Such instruction shouldemphasize:
- the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-onmachines;
- controlof a ride-onmachinesliding on a slopewill
not be regainedby the application of the brake.
The main reasonsfor lossof controlare:
a) insufficient w heel grip;
b) beingdriventoo fast;
c) inadequatebraking;
d) the typeof machineis unsuitable for itstask;
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions,especially s lopes;
f) incorrecthitching and loaddistribution.
II. Preparation
Whilemowing, a lwayswearsubstantial f ootwearand long
trousers. Do not operatethe equipmentwhen barefoot
or wearingopen sandals.
Thoroughlyinspectthe area where the equipmentis to
be usedand removeall objectswhichmay be thrownby
the machine.
WARNING - Petrolis highlyflammable.
- Storafuel in containers speoifically designedfor this
purpose.
- Refuel outdoorsonlyand do not smokewhile refu-
eling.
- Add fuel beforestartingthe engine. Never remove
the capof thefuel tankor add petrolwhiletheengine
is runningor whenthe engineis hot.
- If petrol isspilled,do notattemptto startthe engine
but movethe machineawayfrom the areaof spillage
and avoidcreatingany sourceof ignitionuntilpetrol
vaporshave dissipated.
- Replaceall fuel tanksand containercapssecurely.
Replacefaulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspectto see that the
blades, bladeboltsend cutterassemblyare notwornor
damaged. Replace wornor damagedblades and bolts
in sets to preservebalance.
Onmulti-bladed machines, t akecareas rotating oneblade
can cause otherbladesto rotate.
III. 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 attemptingto start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
•
Do not use on slopes of more than 10 °.
•
Rememper there is no such thing as a"safe" slope. Travel
on grass slopes reduires particular care. To guard against
overturning;
- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or down-
hill;
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when traveling downhill;
- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
- never mow across the face of the slope, unless the
lawnmower is designed for this purpose.
•
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
- Limit loads to those you can safely control.
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
- Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when sug-
gested in the instruction handbook.
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
•
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
•
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material fowardbystanders
nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
•
Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.
•
DO not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position:
- disengage the power take-off and lower the attach-
ments;
- change into neutral and set the parking brake;
- stop the engine and remove the key.
•
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key.
- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn-
mower;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment;
-
if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check
immediately).
•
Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not
in use.
3
Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment
- before refueling;
-
before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless ad ustment
can be made from the operator's post on.