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.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety glasses and hearing protection. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• 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.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel when engine is running. Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that the operator’s presence controls, safety switches and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operating Safely
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position. Use seat belts if provided.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. For this machine, drive across hillsides, not up and down. Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability. Use caution while operating near drop-offs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and when changing directions on slopes.
• Never raise deck with the blades running.
• Never operate with the PTO shield, or other guards, not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered, unless using a grasscatcher. Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire grasscatcher in place.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage drives, engage parking brake, and shut off engine before leaving the operator’s position for any reason including emptying the grasscatchers or unclogging the chute.
• Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before resuming operations.
• Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or off of a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
• 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.
• Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and attachments.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation require your full attention.
• 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.
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.
• Survey all mowing sites to determine which slopes are safe for machine operation and which slopes should be maintained through other maintenance techniques.
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(s) (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.
• Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
• Park machine safely before leaving the operator station for any reason including emptying the catchers or unplugging the chute.
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.
• 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.
• Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.
• 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 and while 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.
• Never allow 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 in the watchful eye of a responsible adult, other than the operator, 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
Identify Slopes for Safe Operation
• Establish your own special procedures and rules for operating on slopes. These procedure must include a survey of all mowing sites to determine which slopes are safe for machine operation. Always use common sense and good judgement when performing this survey.
• Lay a straight piece of sturdy lumber 1.2 m (4 ft) long on the slope and measure the angle of the slope with an angle indicator or protractor level.
• Never mow or operate machine on slope angles greater than 20°.
• Exceeding the maximum recommended slope angle of 20° increases the risk of rollover accidents that can result in serious injury or death.
• Always consider potential turf conditions and slope angles when determining the risk of loss-of-control and tip-over accidents.
• On slope angles of 10° or less the risk of rollover is low, but as the slope angle increases to the John Deere recommended maximum of 20° the risk increases to a moderate level.
Operate Safely on Slopes
• 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.
• Use lower speeds while mowing and operating on slopes.
• If you feel uneasy on a hillside, do not mow it.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop while on a slope.
• Use caution if mowing when grass is wet or slippery. Tires may lose traction. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.
• Avoid starting, stopping or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the PTO 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 mow 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.
• Keep mower deck lowered to ground while operating on slopes. Raising mower deck while operating on slopes can cause machine to become unstable.
Use Seat Belt Properly
• Use a seat belt when operating with the folding Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) in the upright position 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Maintenance and Storage
• Never operate machine in a closed area where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Disengage drives, lower implement, lock parking brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug (for gas engines). Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
• Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufflers, and engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame.
• Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
• Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine. Understand service procedure before doing work.
• Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components when required. Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work.
• 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.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug (for gas engines) before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and negative last.
• Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry and long hair away from moving parts. If possible, do not make adjustments with the engine running.
• Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
• Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
• Check grasscatcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary. Grasscatcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts, to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
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 completely from engine compartment and muffler area, and from on top of the mower deck, before and after operating machine, especially after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
• Empty any grasscatcher bags or containers completely before storing.
• 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.
• Make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, especially when operating on slopes. Low pressure can cause machine to become unstable on slopes.
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.