5
SAFETY
Starting
- Start only according to instructions in this manual
or on the machine.
- Before attempting to start the engine, make sure:
- the parking brake is on;
- the PTO is disengaged;
- the traction drive is in NEUTRAL.
- When starting the engine, make sure hands and
feet are clear of the blades.
- Do not start the machine while standing in front
of the discharge chute or with the chute directed
at someone.
- Do not engage PTO at full throttle. Throttle to
idle or lowest possible engine speed.
- Do not change engine governor settings or
over-speed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.
Interrupting operation
- Before leaving the operator's position:
- Park on level ground.
- Disengage the PTO.
- Set the parking brake.
- Shut off the engine and remove the key.
- Disengage the PTO and wait until the blades quit
rotating:
- before raising cutterdeck;
- when not mowing;
- for transport;
- when crossing surfaces other than grass.
- Stop the engine, disengage the PTO, set parking
brake and wait until the blades quit rotating and
lower cutting unit:
- before refueling;
- before removing grass catcher;
- before making height adjustment unless the
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
- Stop the engine, disengage the PTO, set parking
brake and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or
remove the key:
- before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
- before checking, cleaning or working on the
machine;
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
machine for damage and make repairs before
restarting;
- if the machine begins to vibrate abnormally:
shut off machine immediately. Inspect and
make repairs as needed before restarting;
- except for repairs or adjustments as specically
noted, such as for carburetor adjustment,
where the engine must be running. Keep
hands and feet clear of moving parts in these
circumstances.
- Allow the blades to come to a complete stop
when stopping operation to clear blockages,
unclog, inspect the machine, do maintenance or
repair.
- Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut-
down and, if the engine is provided with a shut-
off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of
mowing.