Agri-Fab 45-03621 - Manual (Page 3)

3
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Tow Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND
THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop
or shift while on the slope.
• Follow the tractor manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Ill. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence
of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw
them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care
of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or
other objects that may obscure vision.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on
the machine before starting.
• Read this operator’s manual carefully. Become familiar with the
controls and know how to operate your mower properly.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions,
to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while backing.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades,
and stop engine.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck.
• Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when not in
drivers seat.
• Disengage power to mower, stop engine when transporting or not
in use.
• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects in order
to prevent the blades from striking them. Never deliberately run
tractor or mower onto or over any foreign object.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described
in this manual.
• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any
manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while
using your mower.
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when
mowing.
• Always make cutting height adjustments before starting your
mower. New attempt to do this while the engine is running.
• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut.
• Do not let other interests distract you.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the
engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts
have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it
away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive
vibration is an indication of damage or unbalanced blades. Stop
the engine, safety check for the cause of the vibration and repair
as required.
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, or other
safety devices in place.