1. Safety
Rules
Safe Operation
Practices
for Ride-On
Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUI-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.
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I. Training
Readtheinstrueit onscarefully. Befamiliar w iththecontrots
and the properuseof the equipment.
•
Neverallowchildren or peopleunfamiliar w iththeinstruc-
tionstousethelawnmower. L ocalregulations m ayrestdct
the age of the operator.
•
Never mow whilepeople,especially children,or pets are
nearby.
•
Keep in mindthat the operatoror useris responsible _r
accidentsor hazards occurring to otherpeopleor their
property.
•
Do notcarry passengers.
Alldriversshouldseekand obtainprofessional and prac-
tical instruction.Suchinstruction shouldemphasize:
- the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-onmachines;
- controlof a ride-onmachinesliding on a slopewill
notbe regainedbythe application of the brake.
The main reasonsfor loss of control a re:
a) insufficient wheel grip;
b) beingdriventoo fast;
c) inadequatebraking;
d) thetype of machine is unsuitable for itstask;
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditfe ns,especially slopes;
f) incorrecthitching and loaddistribution.
II. Preparation
•
While mowing, alwayswear substantialfootwearandlong
trousers.
Do nut operate the equipment when barefoot
or wearing open sandals.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be usedancl 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 rafu-
sling.
- Add fuel before star'dngthe engine. Never remove
the cap.of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine
is mnmng or when the engine is hot.
-
If petrol is spilled do not attempt to start the engine
but move the mechine away from the arsa of sp age
and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.
-
Replace all fuel tanks and container 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, takecars as rotating one blade
can cause other blades to rotate.
3
IlL Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artfficial light.
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches end shift into neutral.
DO not use on slopes of more than 10 ° .
Remember there is no such thing as a =safe" slope. Travel
on grassslopes requires particular care. To guard against
oveduming;
- do not stop or atart suddenly when goiog 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 toward bystanders 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 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;
-
afterstrikingaforeignobject.
Inspectthelawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restading 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 drive to attachment
- before refueling;
-
before removing the grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless adjustment
can be made from the operator's position.