Safety
Read Safety in Machine Operator’s Manual
Read the general safety operating precautions in your machine operator’s manual for additional safety information.
Operate Safely
• Check machine brake action before you operate. Adjust or service brakes as necessary.
• 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 leave machine unattended when it is running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Do not let anyone, especially children, ride on machine or greensmower trailer.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate machine.
• Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not operate machine at high speeds when you tow the greensmower trailer.
• Be sure connection between hitch ball and drawbar is correct and secure. Check ball/coupler connection periodically for tightness.
• Travel slowly over rough ground.
• Avoid ditches and banks to reduce the possibility of loss of control.
• Avoid tight turns that could result in machine tires contacting the greensmower trailer drawbar.
• Transport the greensmower trailer with the tailgate raised and latched in position.
• Do not exceed recommended weight restrictions of trailer, hitch coupler or hitch ball.
• Use recommended hitch ball only. A smaller or larger hitch ball will result in an unsafe and extremely dangerous connection. This could result in separation of trailer and machine or hitch ball failure.
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 limits specified in towing vehicle 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. Use counterweights or wheel weights as described in the machine operator’s manual.
• 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.
Protect Bystanders
• Keep bystanders away when you operate a towed attachment.
• Before you back machine and attachment, look carefully behind attachment for bystanders.
Keep Riders Off Towed Attachment
• Keep riders off of a towed attachment.
• Riders on a towed attachment are subject to injury, such as being struck by objects and being thrown off the attachment during sudden starts, stops and turns.
• Riders obstruct the operator's view, resulting in the attachment being used in an unsafe manner.
• Keep riders off of hitch bracket.
Avoid Injury From Drawbar
Before you disconnect an attachment from machine hitch plate:
• Stop attachment on level ground.
• Make sure hands, feet or other body parts are not under drawbar.
Avoid Tipping and Skidding Trailer
• Weight of machine and operator must be more than weight of greensmower trailer and load.
• A safe load on dry, level ground may cause the machine to lose traction and skid on slippery or sloped ground.
• Reduce speed and load size if operating on slopes or slippery terrain.
• Do not use greensmower trailer near edge of ditch or bank.
• Avoid holes, rocks, and roots.
• Do not tow greensmower trailer with box raised on machine (if equipped).
• Do not back up greensmower trailer with box raised on machine (if equipped).