Safety
Note: The addition of attachments made by
other manufacturers that do not meet American
National Standards Institute certification will cause
noncompliance of this machine.
Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner
can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions and always pay
attention to the safety alert symbol
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 ANSI standard
B71.4-2004.
Training
• Read the Operator's Manual and other training
material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not
read English it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself,
other people or property.
Preparation
• 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.
• Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasses and hearing protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire
which can be thrown by the machine.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
– Use only an approved container
• Check that operator's presence controls, safety
Operation
, which means
• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
• Be sure of your footing while using this machine,
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never operate with the PTO shield, or other guards
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
• Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting unit.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure
• Keep pets and bystanders away.
4
– Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
– Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do
not operate the machine; seek shelter.
and hidden hazards.
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine
from the operator's position.
especially when backing up. Walk, don't run. Never
operate on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.
to travel side to side on hillsides. Turf conditions
can affect the machine's stability. Use caution while
operating near drop-offs.
when changing directions on slopes.
not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are
attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
overspeed the engine.
parking brake (if provided), shut off engine before
leaving the operator's position for any reason
including emptying the catchers or unclogging the
chute.
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
of a clear path.