4
SAFE OPERATIONS PRACTICES
Hauling
1. Use properly secured full width ramps for loading and
unloading a tractor for transport.
2. Use extra care when loading or unloading the tractor into a
trailer or truck. This tractor should not be driven up or down
ramp(s), because the tractor could tip over, causing serious
personal injury. The tractor must be pushed manually on ramp(s)
to load or unload properly.
3. Raise the deck to the highest position for loading clearance.
Towing With Your Tractor
1. Do not tow a load that exceeds 250 lbs (113 kg) rolling weight
and never exceed 50 lbs (22 kg) tongue weight.
2. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point of the
tractor.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. Do not tow on slopes greater than 5 degrees (9%). On slopes,
the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction
and loss of control and/or the ability to stop.
5. Always use extra caution when towing with a tractor capable of
making tight turns (e.g. tight-turn tractor). Make wide turns to
avoid jack-knifing.
6. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
Service
1. Keep machine in good working order. Do not use the tractor
until worn or damaged parts are replaced.
2. To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor. Do not change the
engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor
controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
3. Tractor blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them.
4. Tractors with hydraulic pumps, hoses or motors; and/or diesel
injections systems have fluid systems under pressure. Fluid
escaping under pressure may have sufficient force to penetrate
skin and cause serious injury. If fluid is injected into the skin, seek
immediate medical attention. Keep body and hands away from pin
holes or nozzles that eject fluid under high pressure. If a leak occurs,
have the tractor immediately serviced by an authorized dealer.
5. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Turn off the engine,
remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
6. Check to make sure the blades come to complete stop in
not more than (5) five seconds after disengaging the blade
disengagement control per the shedule shown on the
Maintenance Schedule chart in the Service and Maintenance
section of this manual. Measure the stopping time with a stop
watch. If the blades do not stop completely in less than five
seconds, your tractor should be serviced professionally by an
authorized dealer.
7. Check the safety interlock system for proper function per the
schedule shown on the Maintenance Schedule chart in the
Service and Maintenance section of this manual. If the safety
interlock system does not function properly, have your tractor
serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety
devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolt torque in
accordance to Maintenance Schedule chart in this manual. 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.
10. Use of service parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety.
11. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition. Review the Maintenance Schedule
chart in this manual for service interval information.
12. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly
inspect the tractor for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating.
13. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the tractor
while the engine is running.
14. Grass catcher components and the chute deflector are subject
to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
16. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to
protect the environment.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are
certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include
the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM)
and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING
This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the above
is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
