Walker MDD (20.9 HP) - Manual (Page 17)

Safety Instructions
13
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. Ne-
ver raise the mower deck while blades are
rotating.
12. The maximum recommended side slope op-
erating angle is 20 degrees or 33% grade.
When operating the machine on a slope, reduce
speed and use caution to start, stop, and ma-
neuver. 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 posi-
tion.
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 dis-
charge 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 fingers 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 electrical plug on the fuel
shut-off solenoid.
d. Never place hands under the deck or in the
GHS blower - use a stick or similar tool to
remove 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 electrical plug on the fuel shut-off sole-
noid. 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. Never remove the radiator pressure cap
when the engine is hot (hot water may spray
and cause burns).
22. Do not use ether or any starting fluid to assist
starting the engine in cold weather.
23. When leaving the machine unattended, dis-
engage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the en-
gine, and remove the key.