10
6. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
7. Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
10. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as
necessary.
11. Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip hoses
firmly over the filter after installation.
12. Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline additives,
or white gas because engine/fuel system damage could
result.
13. If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained
outdoors.
14. Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
15. Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
16. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings
and adjustments.
17. Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.
18. Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit unless
you have been properly trained. Improper service
procedures can result in hazardous operation, equipment
damage and voiding of manufacturer’s warranty.
19. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
20. Do not change engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can
increase the hazard of personal injury.
21. Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine, remove
the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) before:
clearing attachment blockages and chutes, performing
service work, striking an object, or if the unit vibrates
abnormally. After striking an object, inspect the machine
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment.
22. Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a
hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.
(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top of
the transaxle).
23. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors: WARNING:
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have
sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury.
If foreign fluid is injected into the skin it must be surgically
removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with this
form of injury or gangrene may result. Keep body and
hands away from pin holes or nozzles that eject hydraulic
fluid under high pressure. Use paper or cardboard, and
not hands, to search for leaks. Make sure all hydraulic
fluid connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and
lines are in good condition before applying pressure
to the system. If leaks occur, have the unit serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
24. WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release of
springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs
should be removed by an authorized technician.
25. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING:
Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily injury
from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never attempt to
remove the radiator cap while the engine is running.
Stop the engine and wait until it is cool. Even then, use
extreme care when removing the cap.
Safety Interlock Systems
Checks
WARNING
DO NOT operate machine if any safety interlock or safety
device is not in place and functioning properly. Contact
your dealer immediately for assistance. DO NOT attempt to
defeat, modify or remove any safety device.
Models with Automatic Parking Brake
TEST 1 - Engine must not crank if:
• PTO switch is engaged, OR,
• Ground speed levers are not locked in their START /
PARK positions.
TEST 2 - Engine should crank if:
• PTO switch is NOT engaged, AND,
• Ground speed levers are locked in their START / PARK
positions.
TEST 3 - Engine must shut off if:
• Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged, OR
• Operator rises off seat with ground speed levers not
locked in their START / PARK positions.
TEST 4 - Check mower blade stopping time
The mower blades and mower drive belt should come to
a complete stop within five seconds after the electric PTO
switch is turned off. If mower drive belt does not stop within
five seconds, see your dealer.
Once the engine has stopped, the PTO switch must be turned
off, and the ground speed levers must be locked in their
START/PARK positions in order to start the engine.
Models with Manual Parking Brake
TEST 1 - Engine must not crank if:
• PTO switch is engaged, OR,
• Ground speed levers are not locked in their START /
PARK positions, OR,
• Parking brake is not engaged.
TEST 2 - Engine should crank if: