Read the general safety operating precautions in your machine operator’s manual for additional safety information.
Operating Safely
Read, understand and follow all instructions in this attachment manual, the machine operator’s manual and safety signs on equipment before starting.
Use proper front ballast. Remove ballast when the material collection system is removed.
Hopper extends beyond machine. Be aware of surrounding objects when making short turns.
Do not operate material collection system unless entire grass catcher is fastened in place with hopper securely installed.
Do not let anyone ride on the mower or material collection system. Riders are subject to injury such as being struck by foreign objects or being thrown off. Riders may obstruct the operator’s view and cause a collision.
Before hopper removal or installation:
• Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator seat.
Before backing up machine:
• Look behind hopper for children.
• Keep bystanders away when unloading material collection system.
Operate safely on slopes:
• Do not operate on steep slopes.
• Avoid sudden starts and stops.
• Do not park machine with material collection system on slopes.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades or any other attachments.
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator’s seat.
8. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) 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 Thrown Objects
• When operating the vehicle with the MCS attachment installed make sure all chutes and hoses are securely in place. Keep hopper closed or MCS in operating position.
• Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before removing or lifting any attachment components.
• Avoid injury from impeller blades and thrown objects. Remove attachment when operating vehicle in side discharge mode. Make sure deflector shield is in place on mower deck if attachment is removed.
Avoid Injury From Rotating Blades
• Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and blower assembly when engine is running.
• Stop engine and wait for moving parts to stop before servicing components.
• Do not operate MCS or blower unless all attachment components are in place and latched.
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.