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◊ Inadequate braking
◊ The type of machine is unsuitable for the task
◊ Lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions, especially slopes
◊ Incorrect hitching and load distribution
Preparation
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear,
long trousers, hard hat, safety glasses, and hearing
protection. Long hair, loose clothing, or jewelry may
get tangled in moving parts. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all objects which may be
thrown by the machine.
• Warning—Fuel is highly flammable. Take the
following precautions:
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for
this purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refueling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while
the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the
area of spillage and avoid creating any source of
ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
• Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
• 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.
• Check that operator's presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches, shift into neutral, and
engage the parking brake. Only start the engine from
the operator's position. Never remove the ROPS
and always wear the seat belts during operation.
• Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. Do
the following to guard against overturning:
– Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill.
– Keep machine speeds low on slopes and during
tight turns.
– Stay alert for humps and hollows and other
hidden hazards.
– Never mow across the face of the slope, unless
the mower is designed for this purpose.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden
hazards.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
• Stop the blades from rotating before crossing
surfaces other than grass.
• When using any attachments, never direct discharge
of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near
the machine while in operation.
• Never operate the machine with damaged guards,
shields, or without safety protective devices in place.
Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly,
and functioning properly.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal
injury.
• Do the following before leaving the operator's
position:
– Stop on level ground.
– Disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments.
– Change into neutral and set the parking brake.
– Stop the engine and remove the key.
• Disengage the drive to attachments, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition key in the following
conditions:
– Before refueling
– Before removing the grass catcher(s)
– Before making height adjustments, unless the
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
– Before clearing blockages
– Before checking, cleaning, or working on the
mower
– After striking a foreign object or if an abnormal
vibration occurs (check immediately). Inspect
the mower for damage and make repairs before
restarting and operating the equipment.
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