Husqvarna 1000-14 - Manual (Page 4)

IMPORTANT!
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1. Safety rules
Safe operation practices for ride-on mowers
This cutting machine is capabie of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
I. Training
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with the
instructions to use the lawn mower. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator.
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets
are nearby.
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction. Such instruction should emphasize;
- the need for care and concentration when working
with the ride-on machines.
- control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not
be regained by the application of the brake.
The main reasons for loss of control are:
a) insufficient wheel grip.
b) being driven too fast.
c) inadequate braking.
d) the type of machine is unsuitable for its task.
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions,
especially slopes.
f) incorrect hitching and load distribution.
II. Preparation
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
WARNING: Petrol is highly flammable.
- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
- Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refueling.
- Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the
cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine is
running or when the engine is hot.
- If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.
- Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Replace faulty silencers.
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance.
On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all
blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
Do not use on slopes of more thatn 15°.
Remember there is no such thing as a "safe" slope.
Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To
guard against overturning:
- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or down­
hill.
- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when traveling downhill.
- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns.
- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards.
- never mow across the face of the slope.
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
- Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
- Limit loads to those you can safely control.
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
- Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in the instruction handbook.
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
Never operate the lawn mower with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.
Do not change the engine governor settings or over­
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
Before leaving the operator's position:
- disengage the power take-off and iower the
attachments.
- change into neutral and set the parking brake.