Safety
Operator Training Required
• Read the operator’s manual and other training material. If the operator or mechanic cannot read English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them. This publication is available in other languages.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner of the machine 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 themselves, other people, or property.
• Operate the machine in an open, unobstructed area under the direction of an experienced operator.
Operating Safely
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• A storage location is provided on the machine for the operator’s manual. Keep the manual stored securely in this location when not in use and show other operators of this machine where the operator manual is located.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is locked before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Check brakes before you operate. Adjust or service brakes as necessary.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. For this machine, drive up and down hillsides, not across. Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability. Use caution while operating near drop-offs.
• Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers and keeps pets and bystanders away.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.
• 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.
• If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop the machine and inspect it. Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine and attachments properly maintained and in good working order.
• Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job.
• Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of the machine. Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments.
• Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Check before each use that operator presence controls are functioning correctly. Test safety systems. Do not operate unless they are functioning correctly.
• Slow down and be careful of traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation require your full attention.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or off of a trailer or truck.
• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if the engine is provided with a fuel shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
• When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
Using a Spark Arrestor
The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark arrestor muffler. The California Public Resources Code, section 4442.5 provides as follows:
No person shall sell, offer for sale, lease, or rent to any person any internal combustion engine subject to Section 4442 or 4443, and not subject to Section 13005 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the person provides a written notice to the purchaser or bailee, at the time of sale or at the time of entering into the lease or rental contract, stating that it is a violation of Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrestor, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire pursuant to Section 4443. Cal. Pub. Res. Code 4442.5.
Other states or jurisdictions may have similar laws. A spark arrestor for your machine may be available from your authorized dealer. An installed spark arrestor must be maintained in good working order by the operator.
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 before servicing the fuel system, if your machine is equipped.
9. Disconnect the battery ground cable before making repairs to electrical system or doing any welding.
Avoid Tipping
• Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
• Be aware that mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) can improve access to dangerously sloped terrain, thereby increasing the possibility of a tipover.
• Drive up and down a hill - not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Do not operate machine on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly, straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Do not operate machine near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or bodies of water. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or the edge caves in. Leave a safety area between the machine and any hazard.
• Danger of tipping is increased greatly with tires in narrow tread setting and driving at high speed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights for added stability when operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted attachments. Remove weights when not required.
Prevent Machine Runaway
• Do not start engine by shorting across starter terminals. Machine will start in gear if normal circuitry is bypassed.
• Never start engine while standing on ground. Start engine only from operator’s seat, with transmission in neutral or park.
Use Seat Belt Properly
• Use a seat belt when operating with the folding Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) in the upright position, or a cab, to minimize chance of injury from an accident, such as an overturn.
• Do not use a seat belt when operating with the folding ROPS in the folded position. Return the folding ROPS to the upright position as soon as possible.
• Never modify, disassemble or attempt to repair the seat belt.
• Replace entire seat belt if mounting hardware, buckle, belt, or retractor show signs of damage.
• Inspect seat belt and mounting hardware at least once a year. Look for signs of loose hardware or belt damage, such as cuts, fraying, extreme or unusual wear, discoloration, or abrasion. Replace only with John Deere-approved replacement parts.
• Layers of heavy clothing can interfere with proper positioning of the seat belt and can reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt.
Keep ROPS Installed Properly
• Never operate the machine without the ROPS installed.
• Make certain all parts of the ROPS are installed correctly if the ROPS structure is loosened or removed for any reason. All ROPS hardware should be tightened to the proper torque per manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Any alteration of the ROPS must be approved by the manufacturer. The protection provided by the ROPS will be impaired if the ROPS is subjected to structural damage, is involved in an overturn incident, or is in any way altered by welding, bending, drilling, or cutting.
• The seat is part of the ROPS safety zone. Replace only with John Deere-approved seat.
• Never attempt to repair a damaged or altered ROPS. It must be replaced to maintain the manufacturer’s certification of the structure.
Keep Riders Off 
• Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.
• Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious injury.
• Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the machine being operated in an unsafe manner.
Towing Loads Safely
• Stopping distance increases with speed and weight of towed load. Travel slowly and allow extra time and distance to stop.
• Total towed weight must not exceed combined weight of pulling machine, ballast and operator. Use counterweights or wheel weights as described in the attachment or pulling machine operator’s manual.
• Excessive towed load can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
• Use only approved hitches. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the approved hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• If you cannot back up a slope with a towed load, the slope is too steep to operate on with the towed load. Reduce the towed load or do not operate.
• Do not turn sharply. Use additional caution when turning or operating under adverse surface conditions. Use care when reversing.
• Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
Stay Clear of Rotating Drivelines 
Entanglement in rotating driveline can cause serious injury or death.
• Wear close fitting clothing.
• Stop the engine and be sure PTO driveline is stopped before getting near it.
Checking Wheel Hardware
• A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel hardware is not tight.
• Check wheel hardware tightness often during the first 100 hours of operation.
• Wheel hardware must be tightened to specified torque using the proper procedure anytime it is loosened.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Always wear safety goggles, or safety glasses with side shields, and a hard hat when operating the machine.
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate for the job.
• While operating this machine, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
Driving Safely on Public Roads
Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a collision with another vehicle on public roads:
• Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving machines when driven on public roads are hard to see, especially at night.
• Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing warning lights and turn signals according to local regulations. Extra flashing warning lights may need to be installed.
Practice Safe Maintenance
• Only qualified, trained adults should service this machine. Understand service procedure before doing work.
• Never operate machine in a closed area where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts, to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before storing.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Wait for all movement to stop on machine before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting caught.
• Lower any attachments to the ground before cleaning or servicing machine. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock park brake and remove the key. Let machine cool.
• Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work. Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components when needed.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before making any repairs. Disconnect negative terminal first and positive last. Install positive terminal first and negative last.
• Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components or springs.
• Release hydraulic pressure by lowering attachment or cutting units to the ground or to a mechanical stop and move hydraulic control levers back and forth.
• Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts.
• Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area, away from sparks. Unplug battery charger before connecting or disconnecting from the battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
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.
Prevent Fires
• Machine fires and structure fires can occur if a machine is stored before allowing it to cool, if debris is not removed from critical areas of the machine, or if machine is stored near combustible materials.
• Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine.
• Always shut off fuel when storing or transporting machine, if the machine has a fuel shutoff.
• Do not store machine near an open flame or source of ignition, such as a water heater or furnace.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
Tire Safety
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause serious injury or death:
• Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.
• Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.
• When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in front of or over the tire assembly.
• Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.
Handling Fuel Safely
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and fuel vapors are explosive:
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved fuel container. Use only non-metal, portable fuel containers approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) or the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). If using a funnel, make sure it is plastic and has no screen or filter.
• Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never add fuel to or drain fuel from the machine indoors. Move machine outdoors and provide adequate ventilation.
• Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. If fuel is spilled near machine, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage. Avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliance.
• Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge. Static electric discharge can ignite fuel vapors in an ungrounded fuel container.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before fueling.
• Remove fuel-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until the fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel tank cap and tighten securely.
• Replace all fuel container caps securely after use.
• For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol. Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environment.
Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, and batteries, can harm the environment and people:
• Do not use beverage containers for waste fluids - someone may drink from them.
• See your local Recycling Center or authorized dealer to learn how to recycle or get rid of waste products.
• A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides specific details on chemical products: physical and health hazards, safety procedures, and emergency response techniques. The seller of the chemical products used with your machine is responsible for providing the MSDS for that product.
