8 Safety
DS96-DS120 Safety Rules (Rev. 5/11/2007)
(Safety Rules continued from previous page)
Remove accumulated debris from this equip-
ment, power unit, and engine to avoid fire hazard.
Make sure all safety decals are installed.
Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section for
location.)
Make sure shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition. Replace if dam-
aged.
Do not put this equipment into service unless all
side skids are properly installed and in good condi-
tion. Replace if damaged.
A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment
weight must be on the tractor front wheels when
attachments are in transport position. Without this
weight, front tractor wheels could raise up result-
ing in loss of steering. The weight may be attained
with front wheel weights, ballast in tires or front
tractor weights. Weigh the tractor and equipment.
Do not estimate.
Inspect and clear area of stones, branches, or
other hard objects that might be thrown, causing
injury or damage.
OPERATION
Full chain or rubber shielding must be installed
when operating in populated areas or other areas
where thrown objects could injure people or dam-
age property.
• If this machine is not equipped with full chain
or rubber shielding, operation must be stopped
when anyone comes within 300 feet (92 m).
• This shielding is designed to reduce the risk
of thrown objects. The mower deck and protec-
tive devices cannot prevent all objects from
escaping the blade enclosure in every mowing
condition.
It is possible for objects to ricochet
and escape, traveling as much as 300 feet (92 m).
Do not allow bystanders in the area when oper-
ating, attaching, removing, assembling, or servic-
ing equipment.
Never direct discharge toward people, animals,
or property.
Do not operate or transport equipment while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from
equipment while engine is running. Stay clear of all
moving parts.
Always comply with all state and local lighting
and marking requirements.
Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or
ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely
fastened. Falling off power unit can result in death
from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable
ROPS system in “locked up” position at all times.
Always sit in power unit seat when operating
controls or starting engine. Securely fasten seat
belt, place transmission in neutral, engage brake,
and ensure all other controls are disengaged
before starting power unit engine.
Operate tractor PTO at 540 RPM. Do not exceed.
Look down and to the rear and make sure area
is clear before operating in reverse.
Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
Do not stop, start, or change directions sud-
denly on slopes.
Use extreme care and reduce ground speed on
slopes and rough terrain.
Watch for hidden hazards on the terrain during
operation.
Stop power unit and equipment immediately
upon striking an obstruction. Turn off engine,
remove key, inspect, and repair any damage before
resuming operation.
Leak down or failure of mechanical or hydraulic
system can cause equipment to drop.
On pull-type or semi-mounted units with
optional hydraulic cutting height adjustment, use a
single-acting cylinder with a maximum extended
length of 28-1/4" (718 mm) from attaching point
center to center.
On mounted units with optional hydraulic cut-
ting height adjustment, use a double-acting cylin-
der with a maximum extended length of 28-1/4"
(718 mm) from attaching point center to center.
TRANSPORTATION
The maximum transport speed for towed and
semi-mounted machines is 20 mph (32 km/h).
Regardless of the maximum speed capability of the
towing tractor, do not exceed the implement’s max-
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!