Kubota Z231KW-AU Operator'S Manual Download

Page: 32 / 76

OPERATING THE MACHINE

OPERATING A NEW MACHINE

How  a  new  machine  is  operated  and  maintained  will
determine the operating life of the machine.
A new machine just off the factory production line has
been tested, but the various parts are not accustomed
to  each  other,  so  care  should  be  taken  to  operate  the
machine  for  the  first  50  hours  at  a  slower  speed  and
avoid  excessive  work  or  operation  until  the  various
parts  become

“broken-in”

. The manner in which the

machine is handled during the

“breaking-in”

period

greatly  affects  the  life  of  your  machine.  Therefore,  to
obtain  the  maximum  performance  and  the  longest
operating  life  of  the  machine,  it  is  very  important  to
properly  break-in  your  machine.  In  handling  a  new
machine, the following precautions should be observed.

1. Changing lubricating oil for new

machine

The lubricating oil is especially important in the case of
a new machine. The various parts are not

“broken-in”

and are not accustomed to each other. Small metal grit
may develop during the operation of the machine and
this may wear out or damage the parts. Therefore, care
should be taken to change the lubricating oil a little
earlier than it would ordinarily be required.
Details regarding normal service intervals can be found
in a different section.
(See SERVICE INTERVALS on page 41.)

2. Engine break-in

After the first 8 hours of operation, change the engine
oil.
(See EVERY 100 HOURS on page 48.)

DANGER

To avoid serious injury or death:

• Do not operate the mower without the discharge

deflector in the down position.

WARNING

To avoid serious injury or death:

• The machine relies upon the engine driven

transmission for speed, direction, and motion
control. If the engine is not running, the
machine cannot be driven or controlled.

If the engine stops when operating on a slope,
apply the parking brake immediately to prevent
a machine runaway.

• Do not allow anyone other than the driver to

ride on the machine.

• Do not drive the machine close to the edges of

ditches or banks which may collapse under the
weight of the machine, especially when the
ground is loose or wet.

• When making a turn, be sure to reduce the

travel speed and operate the motion control
levers carefully.

• To avoid tip-over accidents, operate across

slopes, not up and down. Avoid sudden starts
and stops on slopes. Slow down and use extra
caution when changing direction on a slope.
Park the machine on a firm and level surface.

• Watch where you are going at all times. Watch

for and avoid obstacles. Be alert at curbs, near
trees, and other obstructions and hidden
hazards.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The mower could turn over if a
wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an
edge caves in.

• Do not drive the machine on streets or

highways. Watch for traffic when you cross
roads or operate near roads.

• Look to the rear before and when backing. Make

sure the area immediately behind you is clear of
obstructions or holes, and small children. Use
extra caution when the machine is equipped
with a grass catcher.

• Keep bystanders, especially children, and

animals away from the mowing area.

• Clear the work area of objects which might be

picked up and thrown by the blades.

• Do not direct the opening of the discharge

deflector at bystanders or animals. Ejected
objects may cause injury. Plan your mowing
carefully before starting operation.

• Be sure to disengage the PTO and sit on the

operator's seat before starting the engine.

STARTING THE MACHINE

WARNING

To avoid serious injury or death:

• Read and understand the safe operation