Read the general safety operating precautions in your machine operator’s manual for additional safety information.
Understanding The Safety-Alert Symbol
The machine safety labels shown in this section are placed in important areas on your machine to draw attention to potential safety hazards.
On your machine safety labels, the words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are used with this safety-alert symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards.
The operator’s manual also explains any potential safety hazards whenever necessary in special safety messages that are identified with the word, CAUTION, and the safety-alert symbol.
Operating Safely
• Read the tractor and front blade operator’s manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse. Wear footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
• 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.
• Use ballast when required by the manufacturer. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating and servicing the front blade.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove anything that may be struck by the front blade.
• Keep people and pets out of the work area. Keep children indoors when moving snow or dirt. Turn the machine off if anyone enters the area.
• If you hit an object, stop the engine, remove the spark plug and inspect the front blade. Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine 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.
• Look carefully behind tractor before you back up.
• 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 wear radio or music headphones while operating the machine. Safe operation requires your full attention.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate machine.
• Be alert for traffic when crossing or working near roadways.
• Be alert. Do not operate front blade when you are tired or ill or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Keep clear of the blade at all times.
• Operate tractor at a slow travel speed.
• Do not use front blade as a battering ram.
• Do not move snow or dirt toward bystanders, buildings, or automobiles.
• Plow snow downwind, if possible.
• Be extremely careful if you must clear snow from a gravel surface.
• Drive up and down-not across slopes. Operate slowly and carefully on slopes and in sharp turns.
• Do not operate near edge of ditch or bank. Avoid holes, rocks, and roots. Be alert for hidden hazards.
• Older adults are involved in a large percentage of riding mower accidents involving injury. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate a mower and a front blade safely enough to protect the operator and others from serious injury.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Lower attachments to the ground.
6. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator’s seat.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine.
• Wear adequate winter outer garments and footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate for the job.
• Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing, wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs.