Operator's Manual
4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2. Never allow children to operate the machine. Do
not allow adults to operate machine without proper
instruction. Only trained operators who have read this
manual should operate this machine.
3. Never operate the machine when under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. Keep all shields, safety devices and decals in place.
If a shield, safety device or decal is defective, illegible or
damaged, repair or replace it before operating the
machine. Also tighten any loose nuts, bolts or screws to
ensure machine is in safe operating condition.
5. Always wear substantial shoes. Do not operate
machine while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers
or when barefoot. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that
could get caught in moving parts and possibly cause
personal injury. Wearing safety glasses, safety shoes,
long pants and a helmet is advisable and required by
some local ordinances and insurance regulations.
6. Assure interlock switches are adjusted correctly so
engine cannot be started unless traction pedal is in
NEUTRAL and cutting unit is DISENGAGED.
7. Remove all debris or other objects that might be
picked up and thrown by the blades or fast moving
components from other attached implements. Keep all
bystanders away from operating area.
8. Since diesel fuel is highly flammable, handle it
carefully:
A. Use an approved fuel container.
B. Do not remove fuel tank cap while engine is hot
or running.
C. Do not smoke while handling fuel.
D. Fill fuel tank outdoors and only to within an inch
from the top of the tank, not the filler neck. Do not
overfill.
E. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
WHILE OPERATING
9. Sit on the seat when starting and operating the
machine.
10. Before starting the engine:
A. Engage the parking brake.
B. Make sure traction pedal is in NEUTRAL and
cutting decks are DISENGAGED. Move axle shift to
HI or LO position.
C. After engine is started, release parking brake
and keep foot off traction pedal. Machine must not
move. If movement is evident, the neutral return
mechanism is adjusted incorrectly; therefore, shut
engine off and adjust until machine does not move
when traction pedal is released. Refer to Adjusting
Traction Drive for Neutral, page 30.
11. Seating capacity is one person. Therefore, never
carry passengers.
12. Do not run engine in a confined area without
adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous
and could possibly be deadly.
13. Check interlock switches daily for proper operation.
Do not rely entirely on safety switches use common
sense. If a switch fails, replace it before operating the
machine. The interlock system is for your protection, so
do not bypass it. Replace all interlock switches every
two years.
14. Using the machine demands attention and to
prevent loss of control:
A. Operate only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
B. Drive slowly. Avoid sudden stops and starts.
C. Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
D. Look behind machine before backing up.
E. Do not drive close to a sand trap, ditch, creek or
other hazard.
F. Reduce speed when making sharp turns and
turning on a hillside.
15. Traverse slopes carefully. Do not start or stop
suddenly when traveling uphill or downhill. Never shift
axle when moving. Machine must be on a flat surface
and / or brakes must be engaged to prevent
freewheeling.
16. Operator must be skilled and trained in how to drive
on hillsides. Failure to use caution on slopes or hills may
cause loss of control and vehicle to tip or roll possibly
resulting in personal injury or death.
17. This product may exceed noise levels of 85 dB(A) at
the operator position. Ear protectors are
recommended, for prolonged exposure, to reduce the
potential of permanent hearing damage.
18. When operating 4 wheel drive machine, always use
the seat belt and ROPS together and have seat pivot
retaining pin installed.
19. If engine stalls or loses headway and cannot make
it to the top of a slope, do not turn machine around.
Always back slowly straight down the slope.
20. Raise cutting decks and latch securely in transport
position before driving from one work area to another.
21 DON'T TAKE AN INJURY RISK! When a person or
pet appears unexpectedly in or near the mowing area,
STOP MOWING. Careless operation, combined with
terrain angles, ricochets, or improperly positioned
guards can lead to thrown object injuries. Do not
resume mowing until area is cleared.