Safety
Operating Safely
• Read the machine and attachment operator’s manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the machine and disengage the controls quickly.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate machine.
• Never operate the machine without proper guards or other safety devices in place.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine.
• Inspect machine before you operate and at frequent intervals while operating. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged badly worn, or missing parts.
• Make any necessary adjustments before you operate. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, unless if recommended in adjustment procedure.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Shut off the engine before unplugging the attachment, or when making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Disengage the PTO, lower the attachment, lock the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the key.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Look behind machine before you back up. Back up carefully.
• Do not let anyone, especially children, ride on machine or attachment. Riders are subject to injury such as being struck by foreign objects and being thrown off. Riders may also obstruct the operator’s view, resulting in the machine being operated in an unsafe manner.
• Do not operate machine when you are tired or ill or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of this product.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the spark plug wire, thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage, and repair the damage before starting and operating the machine.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or near gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• If the machine vibrates abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Disengage any power to the attachment when the machine is transported or not in use.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while operating the machine. Safe operation requires your full attention.
• Always refer to the Storage section of the operator’s manual for important details if storing this product for a long period of time.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage PTO and stop attachments.
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator’s station.
8. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.
9. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before servicing the machine.
Protect Children
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Keep children indoors when the machine and attachment are operated and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Stay alert to the presence of children. Turn the machine off if a child enters the work area.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate the machine.
• Do not carry or let children ride on any attachment or machine even with the attachment off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer.
Avoid Injury from Moving Parts
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the tractor spark plug wire or battery to prevent accidental starting.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of any discharge area at all times.
Protect your hands when you inspect or unplug the attachment. Wear gloves and use proper tools.
Before you dismount to unplug or adjust attachment:
• Wait for all moving parts to stop.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from attachment when engine is running.
Practice Safe Maintenance
• Only qualified, trained adults should service this machine.
• Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep area clean and dry.
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Never lubricate, service or adjust the machine or attachment while it is moving. Keep safety devices in place and in working condition. Keep hardware tight.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting caught.
• Lower any attachment completely to the ground or to an existing attachment mechanical stop before servicing the attachment. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock park brake and remove the key. Let machine cool.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before making any repairs.
• Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components and springs.
• Release hydraulic pressure by lowering attachment or cutting units to the ground or to a mechanical stop and move hydraulic control levers.
• Securely support any machine or attachment elements that must be raised for service work. Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components when needed.
• Never run engine unless park brake is locked.
• Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Replace all worn or damaged safety and instruction decals.
• Check all hardware at frequent intervals to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized modifications to the machine or attachment may impair its function and safety.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
• Hydraulic hoses and lines can fail due to physical damage, kinks, age, and exposure. Check hoses and lines regularly. Replace damaged hoses and lines.
• Hydraulic fluid connections can loosen due to physical damage and vibration. Check connections regularly. Tighten loose connections.
• Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic or other lines. Tighten all connections before applying pressure.
• Search for leaks with a piece of cardboard. Protect hands and body from high pressure fluids.
• If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene may result. Doctors unfamiliar with this type of injury should reference a knowledgeable medical source. Such information is available from Deere & Company Medical Department in Moline, Illinois, U.S.A. Information may be obtained in the United States and Canada only by calling 1-800-822-8262.
Drive Machine Safely
• Set backhoe boom lock and swing lock pins to center the backhoe before driving. If you must drive on hillsides, move the backhoe to uphill side for added stability.
• Over rough ground, curbs, or tracks.
• Be sure brake pedals are connected.
• Keep machine in gear at all times.
• Use accessory lights and safety devices to warn operators of other vehicles.
• Where flashing lights are prohibited, disconnect warning light flasher.
Backhoe Safety Tips
• Learn backhoe controls before you operate.
• Do not let anyone work under raised bucket.
• Do not use boom and bucket as a battering ram.
• Use hand rail to help you mount or dismount. Be careful not to bump levers.
• Avoid rocks, roots, etc. when digging.
• Do not dig under stabilizers.
• Do not contact stabilizers with bucket.
• Do not let backhoe contact electrical cables, overhead or underground, or overhead obstacles.
• Keep bystanders away from maximum swing reach area and stabilizers.
• Carry loads low and travel slowly over rough or uneven ground.
• Before you leave the seat: Lower stabilizers and bucket to the ground. Stop the engine. Remove the key.