12. Do not assume ROPS will protect you in a tip-over or roll-over. Injuries may
still occur.
HYDRAULIC DEVICES & SYSTEMS
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient force to penetrate
skin and cause serious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin or eyes, seek
immediate medical attention or gangrene and permanent damage may result.
Keep body and hands away from pinholes or nozzles that could inject
hydraulic fluid under high pressure. Use paper or cardboard, not your hands,
to search for leaks! Wear gloves and safety glasses.
Safely relieve all pressure in the system before performing any work on the system,
and make sure that:
• The ignition switch is OFF.
• The key is removed.
• The engine spark plug wire(s) is removed.
• All connections to the negative terminal of the battery are removed.
• The park brake is set.
• All by-pass valves, if so equipped, are open.
• Hydraulic controls are actuated to release pressure on pumps, cylinders, etc. If
"float" positions are available, they should be used.
After the above operations are completed, it should be safe to begin disconnecting
the lines or components. It is still a good idea to cover the connection with a cloth
shield and then gently loosen connections.
Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses
and lines are in good condition before applying pressure to the system.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Fuel
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel
is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can
occur when fuel is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin
and change your clothes immediately.
• Use only approved containers.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or a truck or trailer bed with a carpeted
or plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before fueling.
• When practical, remove machine from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then refuel equipment on a trailer with a portable
container rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.
• Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all
times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
• Never fuel machine indoors or near ignition sources.
• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow
engine to cool at least 5 minutes before refueling.
• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2" below bottom of filler neck
to allow space for expansion.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING
WARNING
• If necessary, use a funnel to avoid spillage.
• Replace fuel cap and tighten securely.
• If fuel is spilled, wipe off the engine and equipment. Wait 5 minutes before
starting the engine.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean up oil and fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame,
spark, or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer, or
other gas appliance.
GENERAL SERVICE
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wires and negative battery cable
grouping and remove the key from the ignition to prevent unintended starting.
3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to a complete stop within
approximately 7 seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the
blades do not stop within this time frame, your machine should be serviced.
4. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices.
5. Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper function, as described later
in this manual. If the safety interlock system does not function properly, have
your machine serviced.
6. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal
operation. Adjust and service as required.
7. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper
tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent,
cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer's
(O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. Use of parts which do not meet
the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
9. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
10. After striking a foreign object (or if abnormal vibration occurs), stop the blades
and engine and thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operation.
11. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine
is running.
12. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and
damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with
original equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. Use
of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The
governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
14. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
15. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect
the environment.
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