Safety Instructions
12
9. Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain
and for other hidden hazards. When mowing
tall grass, mow higher than desired to expose
any hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area and
mow to the desired height.
10. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before backing
the machine up, look to the rear to be sure no
one is behind the machine. Watch carefully for
traffic when crossing or working near roadways.
11. Disengage the blade drive when transporting
the machine across drives, sidewalks, etc. Never
raise the mower deck while blades are
rotating.
12. The maximum recommended side slope
operating angle is 20 degrees or 33% grade.
When operating the machine on a slope, reduce
speed and use caution to start, stop, and
maneuver. To prevent tipping or loss of control
of the machine, avoid sharp turns or sudden
changes in direction.
13. Never adjust cutting height with the engine
running. Before adjusting cutting height or
servicing, disengage the blade clutch (PTO),
stop the engine, and remove the ignition key.
Wait for all movement to stop before getting off
the seat.
NOTE: A blade/blower brake should normally
stop drive line rotation within five (5) seconds of
disengaging the PTO clutch.
14. For side discharge mower decks, do not oper-
ate with the grass deflector chute removed.
Keep the deflector in the lowest possible
position.
15. For tractors equipped with tilt-up deck, observe
the following recommendations:
a.
Do not move tractor with deck in tilt-up po-
sition.
b.
Never tilt body forward with deck in tilt-up
position.
16. For GHS equipped models, do not operate the
machine with the grass catcher in the DUMP
position or with the back door OPEN. Dan-
gerous projectiles may be thrown out of the
discharge chute or the back of the grass catcher.
17. For GHS equipped models, use care when
closing the grass catcher door. Keep fingers
and hands away from the hinge and pinch points
when the door is being closed. Also, keep fin-
gers and hands clear of the door frame.
The
door is held closed with springs and the door
may slam shut with considerable force.
18. In case of a clogged or plugged mower deck
or GHS catching system:
a. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO) and turn
the engine off before leaving the seat.
b. LOOK to make sure blade drive shaft and
blower drive pulley movement has stopped
before trying to unclog the system.
c. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
d. Never place hands under the deck or in the
GHS blower - use a stick or similar tool to re-
move clogged material.
19. If the cutting blades strike a solid object or the
machine begins to vibrate abnormally, immedi-
ately disengage the blade clutch (PTO), stop
the engine, and wait for all moving parts to
stop. To prevent accidental starting, discon-
nect the spark plug wire. Thoroughly inspect the
mower and repair any damage before restarting
the engine and operating the mower. Make sure
cutter blades are in good condition and blade
nuts are torqued to 60 ft-lb (81.3 N
⋅
m).
20. Do not touch the engine or muffler while the
engine is running or immediately after stop-
ping the engine. These areas may be hot
enough to cause serious burns.
21. When leaving the machine unattended, dis-
engage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the
engine, and remove the key.
MAINTENANCE
1. To prevent accidental starting of the engine
when servicing or adjusting the machine, re-
move the key from the ignition switch and dis-
connect the spark plug wire.
2. To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, excessive grease, and dirt.
Summary of Contents for MS (13 HP)
Page 70: ...66 Operator s Notes...
