1. Safety
Rules
_
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CU'I-rlNG MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
III. Operation
I.
Training
Reed the instrectlonscarefully. Befarniliarwi_ the controls
and the proper use of the equipment.
•
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the instruc-
tions to use the lawnmc_er. Local regulations may restrlot
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 other people or their
property.
•
Do not carry passengers.
•
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and prac-
tical instruction. Such instruction should emphasize:
- the need for care and concentration when working
with dde-on machines;
- control of a dde-on machine sliding on a slope will
not he regained by the application of the brake.
The main reasons for loss of control are:
a) insufficient wheal grip;
b) being driven too fast;
c) inadequate braking;
d) the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
e) lack
of awareness
of the
effect
of ground
conditions,especially slopes;
f) incorrect hitching and load distribution.
ll.Preparation
•
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot
or wearing open sandals.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be usedand remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
-
Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refu-
eling.
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove'
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine
is running or when the engine is hot.
-
If petrol 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 petrol
vapors have dissipated.
-
Replace all fuel tanks and confainer caps securely.
Replace faulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged.
Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance.
On multi-bladed machines, fake care as rotating one blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
•
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.
•
Beforeattemptingto start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
•
Do not use on slopss of more than l0 °.
•
Remember thers is no suchthing ss a "sefe"slope. Travel
on grassslopes requiresparticular care. To guard against
overturning;
- do notstop 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 pullingloads or using heavy equipment.
Use only approved drswbar 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 sag-
gested in the instructionhandbook.
•
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 towardbystanders 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 notchange the engine governor settingsor 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.
Stop the engine and disengage ddve to attachment
- before refueling;
- before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless adjustment
can be made from the operator's position.
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