Practice Safe Maintenance

MXAL41933-UN-18FEB13

• Only qualified, trained adults should service this machine. Understand service procedure before doing work.
• Never operate machine in a closed area where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight, especially blade attachment bolts, to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage, and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Wait for all movement to stop on machine before adjusting, cleaning, or repairing.
• 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.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra care when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• 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.
• Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work. Use jack stands or lock service latches to support components when needed.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before making any repairs. Disconnect negative terminal first and positive last. Install positive terminal first and negative last.
• Before servicing machine or attachment, carefully release pressure from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic components or springs.
• Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts.
• 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 strike the flywheel with a hammer or hard object because the flywheel may later shatter during operation.
• If equipped with hydraulic lift, 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.