John Deere z425 - Manual (Page 5)

Safety - 4
SAFETY
Safety
Operating Safely
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.
• Read, understand and follow all instructions on the
machine and in manuals provided, and view safety video, before starting.
Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine
before starting.
• The residential zero radius lawn mower drives differently than a
traditional riding mower. Learning to operate the controls smoothly and
safely will take some time.
• Practice operating the residential zero radius lawn mower in a large open
area with the blades off. Keep practicing until you feel confident in your
maneuvering and driving skills.
• Only allow responsible adults, who have practiced driving the residential
zero radius lawn mower and are familiar with the instructions to operate
the machine. Local restrictions may restrict the age of the operator.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire and toys which could be
thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. 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.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the machine without the entire grasscatcher, discharge
guard, or other safety devices in place and working. Never operate with
the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a
grasscatcher.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, lock
park brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all
parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing
the grasscatcher, or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine 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. Stop blades
before crossing roads or sidewalks.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when
operating machine.
• Data indicates operators 60 years and above are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or
counterweights.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or
replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and
shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary
adjustments before you operate.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts
and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace worn and
damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place
before starting the engine.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is locked before
starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.
• If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop the machine and
inspect it. Make repairs before you operate.
• Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of
the machine. Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and
attachments.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation
requires your full attention.
• When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the mower
deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
Using a Spark Arrestor
The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark arrestor muffler. It
is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or
operate this engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrestor meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal
areas may have similar laws.
A spark arrestor for your machine may be available from your authorized
dealer. An installed spark arrestor must be maintained in good working
order by the operator.
Checking Mowing Area
• Clear mowing area of objects that might be
thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing
area.
• Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles
can injure the operator or interfere with
mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as
low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those obstacles.
• Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow where
traction or stability is doubtful.
• Test drive area with mower lowered but not running. Slow down when
you travel over rough ground.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades.
3. Move motion control levers out to the Start/Shutdown position.
4. Lock the park brake.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the key.