National Mower 68 DL - Manual (Page 5)

NATIONAL 68 SR & DL TRIPLEX ®
5
68OM-06/03
Do not mow in reverse, unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and during reverse
motion.
Shut off and raise the cutting units before operating the
mower at transport speed. (Model 68 DL only.)
Do not reverse battery connections. Damage to the mower
can result. Battery gases are explosive and can cause
death or injury. Keep open flames, sparks, and smoking
materials away from batteries. Battery fluid contains
sulfuric acid. Contact with skin, eyes, or clothing can
cause chemical burns. Wash immediately and seek
medical assistance. Wear protective clothing and safety
glasses when handling a battery. (Model 68 DL only.)
4. HILL OPERATION
Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill.
Mow up and down the face of steep slopes — never across
steep slopes. Do not exceed a slope of 15
o in any direction.
Reduce travel speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Use extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
Watch for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Do not shift into neutral and coast downhill.
Use extreme care when mowing near dropoffs or embank-
ments. The mower could roll over if a wheel goes over the
edge, or if an edge caves in.
If mower stops going uphill, disengage power to the cutting
units and slowly back down.
5. MAINTENANCE
Never store the mower, with fuel in the tank, inside a
building where fumes could reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
Keep the engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
to reduce a fire hazard.
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine.
Keep non-skid surfaces clean. Replace the non-skid
material if worn, damaged, or missing.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses
and gloves, while servicing the mower.
ISO SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
1. TRAINING
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the lawnmower. Local regulations can
restrict the age of the operator.
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
Do not carry passengers.
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction. Such instruction should emphasize:
• the need for care and concentration when working with
ride-on machines;
• control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not
be regained by the application of the brake. The main
reasons for loss of control are:
• insufficient wheel grip;
• being driven too fast;
• inadequate braking;
• the type of machine is unsuitable for the task: do not
use mower for unsuitable tasks;
• lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions,
especally slopes;
• hitching and load distribution: do not hitch or tow
other devices.
2. PREPARATION
Gasoline (petrol) is highly flammable.
Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose. Refuel outdoors only. Do
not smoke while refuelling. Add fuel before starting
the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or
add fuel while the engine is running or when the engine
is hot. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any sources of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated. Replace all fuel
tanks and container caps securely.
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used and remove all objects which can be thrown by the
machine.
Replace faulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the reels,
bed knives, and cutting unit assemblies are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged reels and bedknives
in sets to preserve balance.
On multi-reel machines, take care as rotating one reel can
cause other reels to rotate.
WARNING