grass, oil and any other combustible materials to
the exhaust gas. Use a spark arrester where
required. Keep the engine and muffler clean all the
times.
2. ROPS
• The ROPS is an integral and effective safety
device.
• KUBOTA recommends the use of a roll-over
protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt in almost
all applications. This combination will reduce the
risk of serious injury or death, should the machine
be upset.
• The machine is equipped with a foldable ROPS,
which may be temporarily folded down only when
absolutely necessary for areas with height
constraints.
There is no operator protection provided by the
ROPS in the folded position. For operator safety
you must set the ROPS in the upright and locked
position and put on the seat belt for all other
operations.
• Do not remove the ROPS.
• If the ROPS is loosened or removed for any reason,
make sure that all parts are reinstalled correctly
before operating the machine.
• Never modify or repair a ROPS because welding,
bending, drilling, grinding, or cutting may weaken
the structure.
• If any structural member of the ROPS is damaged,
replace the entire structure at your local KUBOTA
Dealer. Any alterations to a ROPS must be
approved by the manufacturer.
• Check the area to be mowed and never fold down a
foldable ROPS in areas where there are slopes,
drop-offs or water.
• Check carefully for overhead clearances (such as
branches, doorways and electrical wires) before
driving under any objects and do not contact them.
• Keep the ROPS in safe operating condition by
periodically and thoroughly inspecting for damage
and keeping all mounting fasteners tight.
• Always use the seat belt when the ROPS is upright.
Do not use the seat belt if the ROPS is down or if
there is no ROPS. Check the seat belt regularly and
replace if frayed or damaged. Be certain that the
seat belt can be released quickly in the event of an
emergency.
(1) ROPS
(2) Seat belt
OPERATING THE MACHINE
1. Starting to operate the machine
• Always sit in the operator's seat when starting the
engine or operating levers or controls.
• Before starting the engine make sure that the
motion control levers are in
“NEUTRAL LOCK”
, the
parking brake is applied, and the power take-off
(PTO) is disengaged (OFF).
• Do not start the engine by shorting across starter
terminals. The machine may start in gear and move
if the normal starting circuitry is bypassed.
• Do not operate or idle the engine in a non-
ventilated area. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless,
odorless, and deadly.
• Do not start the engine while tilting deck.
• Do not start the engine when the front or rear tires
are not on the ground.
• Check before each use that the operator presence
control (OPC) system is functioning correctly.
Test the safety systems.
(See Checking the engine start system on page
66 and Checking the OPC system on page 66.)
Do not operate unless they are functioning
correctly.
• Check all fluids before starting.
2. Working the machine
• Do not turn sharply when driving at high speed.
• To avoid tip-over accidents, slow down when
turning on uneven terrain or before stopping.
• Do not operate near ditches, holes, embankments,
or other terrain, which may collapse under the
machine's weight. The risk of machine tip-overs
increases when the ground is loose or wet.
• Park the machine on a firm and level surface.
Before you get off, apply the parking brake, place
the motion control levers in their neutral lock
positions,
disengage
the
PTO,
lower
all
SAFE OPERATION
6
ZD1211,ZD1221