Fire Prevention

Keep foreign material (crop, chaff etc.) from building up on the machine near potentially hot areas, such as bearings. Remove this buildup as part of the regular service operations.

Avoid high pressure power-washing adjacent to the bearings to prevent damaging seals.

Check bearings regularly for early signs of failure, replace as necessary. Turn off power to mower-conditioner and check for unusual noises, hot parts, smells of scorching, and discolored paint or metal. Check condition of bearings. (See FIRE PREVENTION in Lubrication and Maintenance section.)

If service operations require using a welder, cutting torch or grinder, these guidelines may prove useful in preventing a fire:

1. Park mower-conditioner on pavement or bare ground.

2. Remove chaff to minimize exposure of flammable material to sparks; if chaff cannot be removed, soak it thoroughly with water before starting. Protect hoses and belts from exposure to sparks, arcs or flames.

3. Be sure a fully charged water-type fire extinguisher or other source of water is ready for immediate use.

4. Use an assistant to watch for fire while welding, cutting or grinding.

5. After welding, cutting or grinding is finished, wait long enough to allow parts to cool down before starting to operate machine. Verify that no sparks or slag have started a fire before leaving service area.