Safety - 4
SAFETY
Operator Training Required
• The owner of the machine is responsible for training the
users and mechanics of the machine.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people,
or property.
• Do not allow operation or service of the machine by
untrained adults.
• Do not let children operate the machine. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Read the operator’s manual and study the safety and
operation sections before operating the machine.
• If the operator of the machine cannot read or
understand this manual, it is the machine’s owner
responsibility to explain this material to the operator.
• Operate the machine in an open, unobstructed area
under the direction of an experienced operator.
• Learn the use of all controls.
• Operator experience is required to learn the moving,
stopping, turning and other operating characteristics of the
machine.
Operating Safely
MIF
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Local restrictions may
restrict the age of the operator.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware
is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing
parts. Replace faulty silencers. Be sure guards and shields
are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any
necessary adjustments before you operate.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and the mower assembly are not worn
and damaged. Replace worn and damaged blades and
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
locked before starting engine. Only start engine from the
operator’s position.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire
grass catcher in place. Never operate with the discharge
deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grass
catcher.
• Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or
service brakes as necessary.
• Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop
and inspect the machine. Make repairs before you operate.
Keep machine and attachments properly maintained and in
good working order.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and make
sure that no one is in the path of the discharge direction.
• Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other
than grass.
• Use only accessories and attachments approved by the
manufacturer of the machine. Keep safety labels visible
when installing accessories and attachments.
• Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
• Check before each use that operator presence controls
are functioning correctly. Test safety systems. Do not
operate unless they are functioning correctly.
• Always wear seat belt if machine has a standard ROPS
or a folding ROPS in the upright position.
• Never raise mower decks when blades are running.
• Slow down and be careful of traffic when operating near
or crossing roadways. Stop blades before crossing roads or
sidewalks. Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service
and operation require your full attention.
• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or
not in use.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if
the engine is provided with a fuel shut-off valve, turn the
fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.
• When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked,
lower the mower deck unless a positive mechanical lock is
used.