Safety
Operating Safely
· Read, understand and follow all instructions in the operator's manual, on the machine and on the safety video before starting.
· Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
· Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.
· 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.
· Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace worn and damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
· 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.
· Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place. Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
· Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or service brakes as necessary.
· Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
· 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.
· Be aware of the mower discharge direction and make sure that no one is in the path of the discharge direction.
· Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.
· Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
· Slow down and be careful of traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Stop blades before crossing roads or sidewalks. Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
· Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
· Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of the machine. Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments.
· Older adults are involved in a large percentage of riding mower accidents involving injury. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate a mower safely enough to protect the operator and others from serious injury.
· Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation requires your full attention.
· Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not in use.
· Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or off of a trailer or truck.
· 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. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal areas 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.
Checking Mowing Area
· Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
· Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles can injure the operator or interfere with mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those obstacles.
· Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.
· Test drive area with mower lowered but not running. Slow down when you travel over rough ground.
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.
Rotating Blades are Dangerous
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
· Rotating blades can cut off arms and legs, and throw objects. Failure to observe safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
· Keep hands, feet and clothing away from mower deck when engine is running.
· Be alert at all times, drive forward and in reverse carefully. People, especially children can move quickly into the mowing area before you know it.
· Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
· Park machine safely before leaving the operator's station for any reason including emptying the catchers or unplugging the chute.
· The mower blades should stop in approximately five seconds when the mower is disengaged. If you believe that your blades may not be stopping in that period of time, take your machine to your authorized dealer where they can safely check and service your machine.
Protect Children
· Death or serious injury can occur when young children associate having fun with a lawn mowing machine simply because someone has given them a ride on a machine.
· Young children are attracted to lawn mowing machines and mowing activities. They don't understand the dangers of rotating blades or the fact that the operator is unaware of their presence.
· Tragic accidents with children can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children, especially when a child approaches a machine from behind. Before backing up, stop mower blades and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially for children.
· Never carry children on a machine or attachment, even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. They can fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
· Never use the machine as a recreational vehicle or to entertain children.
· Do not let children or an untrained person operate the machine. Instruct all operators not to give children a ride on the machine or in an attachment.
· Keep children indoors, out of the mowing area, and under the watchful eye of a responsible adult when a mower is being operated.
· Stay alert to the presence of children. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Turn the machine off if a child enters the work area.
Avoid Tipping
· Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
· Drive up and down a hill - not across.
· Do not mow or operate on slopes you cannot back up.
· Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
· Use a slow speed when operating on a slope. Choose a low gear or speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
· Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
· Do not turn on slopes unless necessary. Turn slowly and turn downhill. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
· Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the terrain. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
· Keep away from drop-offs, ditches, embankments, as well as ponds and other bodies of water. The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
· Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
· 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.
· Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If machine stops going up hill or tires lose traction, disengage mower blades and back down slowly.
· Operating machine when grass is wet can cause reduced traction and sliding.
· Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
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.
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.
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.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
· Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the machine.
· Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate for the job.
· While mowing, 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. 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 machine while it is moving. Wait for all movement to stop on machine before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
· Keep safety devices in place and in working condition. Keep hardware tight.
· On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
· 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.
· Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before making any repairs. Disconnect negative terminal first and positive last. Install positive teminal first and negative last.
· Before servicing machine, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components and springs.
· Keep all nuts and bolts tightened, especially blade attachment bolts.
· Securely support any machine 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.
· Use care when checking blades. Wrap blades or wear gloves and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
· 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.
· Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Check components frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary.
· 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.
· Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized modifications may impair its function and safety.
· Check park brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as needed.
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
· Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine, especially after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
· To reduce fire hazard, keep engine, engine compartment, and area around battery free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
· Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
· Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
· Never remove fuel cap, or add fuel with engine running or hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes.
· Never store equipment with fuel in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
· Always shut off fuel when storing or transporting machine.
Handling Fuel Safely
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable and explosive:
· Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
· Do not refuel machine while you smoke, when machine is near an open flame or sparks, or when engine is running. Stop engine and allow to cool before filling.
· Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
· Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
· Never fill fuel tank or drain fuel from a machine in an enclosed area. Fill fuel tank outdoors.
· Prevent fires. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
· Do not store fuel in container or machine with fuel in tank in a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
· Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric discharge. 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.
· Static electric discharge can ignite gasoline vapors in an ungrounded fuel container. Remove the fuel container from the bed of a machine or trailer or the trunk of a car and place on the ground away from the machine before filling. Keep nozzle in contact with container opening while filling. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
· When practical, remove equipment from trailers or truck beds and refuel them on the ground. If this is not possible, use a portable, plastic fuel container to refuel equipment on a truck bed or trailer.
· For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol. Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environment.
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 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.