SAFE OPERATION
Careful operation is your best insurance against an
accident.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property. Read and understand this manual
carefully before operating the machine. All operators,
no matter how much experience they may have had,
must read and understand this and other related
manuals before operating the machine or any
implement attached to it. It is the owner's obligation to
instruct all operators in safe operation.
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot understand the
contents, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them. This mowing machine is capable of
amputating hands, feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
BEFORE OPERATING THE
MACHINE
Know your equipment and its limitations. Read all
instructions in this manual before attempting to start
and operate the machine.
1. General
• The zero turn mowing machine has different
steering characteristics than other machines with a
steering wheel and does not have a service brake
pedal (but, has a parking brake pedal that can be
used to stop the machine in an emergency). Normal
slowing down and stopping is done with the motion
control levers. Read and understand the operator's
manual before operating the machine. Practice
operating the machine at low engine speed in an
unobstructed area without engaging the mower.
• Pay special attention to the safety labels on the
machine itself.
• Do not operate the machine or any attachments
while under the influence of alcohol, medication,
controlled substances or when fatigued.
• Do not wear loose, torn, or bulky clothing around
the machine. The clothing may catch on moving
parts or controls, leading to the risk of an accident.
Wear and use any additional safety items such as a
hard hat, safety boots or shoes, eye and hearing
protection, gloves and so on, as appropriate or
required.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while
operating the machine.
• Do not operate the machine or any attachments
while using or texting with a cellphone or any other
electronic device.
Safe operation requires your full attention.
• Carefully check the vicinity before operating
machine or any implement attached to it. Clear the
work area of objects (such as wires and rocks,) that
might be picked up and thrown. Check for overhead
clearance which may interfere with a grass catcher.
• Check parking brake and other mechanical parts for
correct adjustment and wear. Replace worn or
damaged parts promptly. Check the tightness of all
nuts and bolts regularly.
(See PERIODIC SERVICE on page 52 and
ADJUSTMENT on page 87.)
• Keep all shields and guards in place. Replace any
that are damaged or missing. Do not operate
unless they are functioning properly.
• Before allowing other people to use your machine,
explain how to operate and have them read this
manual before operation.
• Do not allow any bystanders around or near
machine during operation.
• Do not allow passengers, children or non-qualified
operators on the machine at any time. The operator
must remain in the machine seat throughout
operation.
• In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident prevention
are dependent upon the awareness, concern and
prudence of personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance of the equipment.
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and safely
perform the job. Keep the machine and
attachments in good operating condition and keep
safety devices in place and in proper working
condition. Do not operate unless they are
functioning properly.
• Do not modify the machine. Unauthorized
modification may affect the function of the machine,
which may result in personal injury.
• Use only implements approved by KUBOTA. Use
proper ballast on the front or rear of the machine to
reduce the risk of upsets. Follow the safe operating
procedures specified in the manuals of the
equipment.
• Keep your machine clean. Accumulations of dirt,
grease, and trash can contribute to fires and lead to
personal injury.
• The exhaust gas from the muffler is very hot. To
prevent fire, do not expose dry grass, mowed
SAFE OPERATION
ZD1211,ZD1221
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