Troy-Bilt 13096 - Manual (Page 7)

Safety (continued)
8. If unit is unable to continue moving
uphill, disengage attachment/PTO drive,
check area on ground immediately behind
unit, watch area to rear and proceed
backward slowly.
9. Do not operate unit on steep slopes
where there is a risk of an overturn. Do
not mow slopes with an incline of more
than 10". Use slope gauge included with
your unit as an aid in determining the
incline of a slope.
10. Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change the
stability of unit.
11. Do not operate unit on wet grass.
Reduced traction could cause sliding.
12. Do not try to stabilize unit by putting
your foot to the ground.
13. Do not park unit on a hill.
STOPPING
1. Before leaving operator’s position or
before leaving tractor unattended:
a. Bring unit to a complete stop.
b. Disengage attachment/PTO drive.
c. Lower attachments to ground.
d. Set parking brake.
e. Shut off engine and remove ignition
key.
f. Wait for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop.
2. Disengage attachment/PTO drive when
transporting tractor or when attachments
are not in use.
MAINTENANCE
1. Before performing any service,
adjustments or maintenance on unit,
engine or attachments:
a. Park unit on a firm and levei
surface.
b. Disengage attachment/PTO drive.
c. Lower attachments.
d. Move ali control levers to
“Neutral”.
e. Apply parking brake.
f. Shut off engine. Remove ignition
key and allow engine to cool.
2. Always wear sturdy footwear
(preferably steel-toed shoes), long
trousers, hearing and eye protection while
doing any maintenance on unit. Do not
wear loose-fitting clothing, jewelry,
scarves, ties, etc., which could get caught
in moving parts. Tie up or restrain long
hair.
3. Mower blades are extremely sharp. Use
caution when servicing. Wear gloves or
wrap blades in rags. Wear eye protection
when sharpening blades.
4. Keep children away while performing
maintenance or adjustments.
5. Provide safe, adequate light in your
work area. NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME
FOR ILLUMINATION! Use only a portable
safety light enclosed in a wire cage for
working inside or under unit. NOTE: Hot
filaments from a broken light bulb can
Ignite spilled fuel or oil.
6. Keep nuts and bolts tight (especially
blade mounting hardware—check for
proper torque specifications frequently in
this area-refer to maintenance section of
attachment owners manual). Keep
equipment in good condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
Repair or replace as necessary.
8. Keep unit free of grass, leaves or other
debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
9. Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Check their proper
operation regularly. Repair or replace as
necessary.
10. Frequently check components and
replace when necessary. Use only factory-
approved replacement parts. Parts
manufactured by others may present
safety hazards even though they may fit on
the unit.
11. Replace muffler if worn or defective.
12. Keep all safety and operation decals in
place. If these decals are damaged or not
legible, clean or replace them as needed.
Refer to Section 3, “Decals”, for decal
description and location.
13. Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as necessary as
indicated in Section 6, “Maintenance”.
14. Chock wheels (place blocks of wood in
front of and behind wheels) when
performing maintenance with the parking
brake off. Securely support unit if it must
be raised for any reason.
15. Check wheel attachment hardware
regularly and ensure it is properly secured.
Do not attempt to mount a tire on a wheel
rim unless you are experienced in doing
so. Follow proper safety precautions and
use proper tools. Mounting a wheel
improperly could result in serious injury or
death.
16. Do not inflate tires above
recommended pressures. Use a clip-on
chuck to inflate tires, with an extension
hose long enough to allow you to stand to
one side and NOT over or in front of the
tire assembly.