Walker MW 15 HP - Manual (Page 14)

Safety Instructions
10
7. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get
caught in moving parts. Always wear ade-
quate protective clothing including long
pants. Wearing safety glasses and safety
shoes is advisable and required by some local
ordinances and insurance regulations.
8. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing. Operator hear-
ing protection is recommended. Wear a suit-
able hearing protective device, such as
earmuffs or earplugs.
9. Keep all protective shields and safety de-
vices in place. If a protective shield, safety
device, or decal is damaged, unusable, or miss-
ing, repair or replace it before operating the ma-
chine.
10. Be sure interlock switches are functioning
correctly so the engine cannot be started un-
less the Forward Speed Control switch is in the
NEUTRAL-PARK position and the PTO clutch
is in the DISENGAGED position. Also, the en-
gine should stop if the operator lifts their hands
off the operator presence control with the PTO
clutch in the ENGAGED position and/or moving
forward (FSC switch out of neutral).
11. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine is running, except where
specifically instructed to do so.
12. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is highly
flammable and its vapors are explosive:
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot
engine (allow hot engine to cool several
minutes).
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
open flames, or sparks away from the fuel
tank and fuel container.
d. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors using
care. Fill to about one inch from the top of
the tank. Use a funnel or spout to prevent
spilling.
e. Replace the machine fuel cap and container
cap securely and clean up any spilled fuel
before starting the engine.
13. The electrical system battery contains sulfuric
acid. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, and
clothing. Keep the battery and acid out of reach
of children.
OPERATING
1. Operate the mower only in daylight or in
good artificial light with good visibility of the area
being mowed.
2. Keep feet behind the tractor at all times and al-
ways maintain secure footing when the tractor
is moving and/or mower blades are operating.
3. Use extreme caution when reversing the ma-
chine towards you.
4. For a beginning operator, learn to steer (ma-
neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speed
before attempting any mowing operation.
Be aware that, with the front mounted mower
configuration, the back of the tractor can raise
off the ground slightly when going into reverse
at high speeds.
5. Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward
motion of the tractor can always be stopped by
allowing the operator presence control (on top
of handle bars) to raise up.
6. Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in
the NEUTRAL-PARK position before starting
the engine (an ignition interlock switch normally
prevents starting of the machine if these con-
trols are in the OPERATING position).
7. Do not run the engine in a confined area
without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes
are hazardous and can be deadly.
8. 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.
9. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before backing
the machine up, look to the rear to be sure the
area behind you is clear of obstacles. Watch
carefully for traffic when crossing or working
near roadways.