Operator's Manual

4
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.4—1999.
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 ear 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
• 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.
• Check that operator’s presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from
the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf
conditions can affect the machine’s stability. Use
caution while operating near drop–offs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never operate with the PTO shield, or other guards not
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached,
adjusted properly, and functioning property.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
drives, engage parking brake (if provided), shut off
engine before leaving the operator’s position for any
reason including emptying the catchers or unclogging
the chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking
objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not
mowing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
• Do not operate the mower under the influence of
alcohol or drugs
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.