Safety
Understanding The Machine Safety Labels
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.
DANGER
To avoid injury to children, stop mower when children are near. Do not mow in reverse. Look behind when backing. Never carry riders, especially children.
DANGER
To avoid injury from rotating blades, stay clear of deck edge.
DANGER
Do not mow without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place.
DANGER
To avoid injury from rotating blades and thrown objects, stay clear of deck edge and keep others away. Do not mow without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place.
DANGER: EXPLOSIVE GASES
· Cigarettes, flames or sparks could cause battery to explode. Always shield eyes and face from battery. Do not charge or use booster cables or adjust post connections without proper instruction and training. Keep vent caps tight and level.
POISON: CAUSES SEVERE BURNS
· Contains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. In event of accident, flush with water and call a physician immediately. Keep out of reach of children.
WARNING
WARNING
To avoid injury from tipover, drive across slopes, not up and down. If machine stops going uphill, stop blades and back down slowly.
WARNING
To avoid injury from rotating belts, keep all shields and guards in place.
CAUTION: HELP AVOID INJURY
· Keep people a safe distance away
Emission Control System Certification Label
NOTE: Tampering with emission controls and components by unauthorized personnel may result in severe fines or penalties. Emission controls and components can only be adjusted by EPA and/or CARB authorized service centers. Contact your John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment Retailer concerning emission controls and component questions.
The presence of an emissions label signifies that the engine has been certified with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The emissions warranty applies only to those engines marketed by John Deere that have been certified by the EPA and/or CARB; and used in the United States and Canada in off-road mobile equipment.
Emission Compliance Period
If your engine has the emission compliance category listed on the emission control system certification or air index label, this indicates the number of operating hours for which the engine has been certified to meet EPA and/or CARB emission requirements. The following table provides the engine compliance period in hours associated with the category found on the certification label.
Certification
This model has been tested and evaluated by the manufacturer and conforms to all applicable rotary mower requirements of ANSI B-71.4 American National Standard for commercial turf care equipment safety specification.
Operator Training Required
· The owner of the machine is responsible for training the users and mechanics of the machine.
· The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people, or property.
· Do not allow operation or service of the machine by untrained adults.
· Do not let children operate the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
· Read the operator's manual and study the safety and operation sections before operating the machine.
· If the operator of the machine cannot read or understand this manual, it is the machine's owner responsibility to explain this material to the operator. This publication is available in other languages.
· Operate the machine in an open, unobstructed area under the direction of an experienced operator.
· Learn the use of all controls.
· Operator experience is required to learn the moving, stopping, turning and other operating characteristics of the machine.
Operating Safely
· 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.
· Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grass catcher in place.
· Check before each use that operator presence controls are functioning correctly. Test safety systems. Do not operate unless they are functioning correctly.
· Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
· Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
· Always wear seat belt if machine has a standard ROPS or a folding ROPS in the upright position.
· Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or service brakes as necessary.
· Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
· Never raise mower decks when blades are running.
· If you hit an object, stop and inspect the machine. 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.
· 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.
· Be aware of the mower discharge direction and make sure that no one is in the path of the discharge direction.
· Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of the machine.
· Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation require your full attention.
Checking Mowing Area
· Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
· 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. Move motion control levers out to the neutral lock position.
4. Lower attachments to the ground.
8. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the operator's seat.
9. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.
10. 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 carefully. People, especially children can move quickly into the mowing area before you know it.
· Before backing up, stop mower blades or attachments and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially for children.
· Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
· Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
· Park machine safely before leaving the operator's station for any reason including emptying the catchers or unclogging the chute.
PROTECT CHILDREN:
· Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
· Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay alert to the presence of children.
· Keep children indoors when you are mowing. Turn the machine off if a child enters the mowing area.
· Use extra care when you come to blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your vision.
· Do not carry or let children ride on any attachment or machine even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer.
Avoid Tipping
· Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
· Do not drive where machine could slip or tip.
· Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the terrain.
· Keep away from drop-offs, ditches, and embankments.
· Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate on a slope.
· Transport machine with deck lowered to improve stability.
· Drive machine very slowly and avoid quick stops when attachment is removed.
· Drive across a hill, not up and down. Be careful when you change direction on a slope. If necessary, turn slowly and in the downhill direction.
· Operating machine when grass is wet can cause reduced traction and sliding.
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.
Checking Wheel Bolts
· A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel bolts are not tight.
· Check wheel bolt 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
· Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate for the job.
· Always wear safety goggles, or safety glasses with side shields, and a hard hat when operating the mower.
· Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs. Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
· Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation requires your full attention.
Practice Safe Maintenance
· Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.
· Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep area clean and dry.
· Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine 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 attachments to the ground before 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 before making any repairs.
· Before servicing the machine, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components.
· Keep all nuts and bolts tightened, especially blade attachment bolts.
· Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work.
· 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.
· To prevent fires, remove any buildup of grease, oil, or debris from the machine, especially the engine compartment.
· Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area, away from sparks. Unplug battery charger before connecting or disconnecting from the battery. Use insulated tools.
· Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized modifications may impair its function and safety.
Driving Safely 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.
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
· 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.
· Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
· To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
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
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable:
· 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.
· 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.
· Do not store fuel in can 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 vehicle or the trunk of a car and place on the ground away from the vehicle before filling. Keep nozzle in contact with container opening while filling.
· 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.
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 John Deere 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.