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• Any towed vehicle with a total weight exceeding
that of the tractor should be equipped its own
braking system that is operational from the
tractor seat.
• Do not leave equipment in the raised position.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways. If local laws permit road
travel, use the flashing hazard lights and SMV
signs when traveling on public roadways.
• Make certain all tractor lights are illuminated
when operating at night.
• Always watch where you are going, especially
at blind corners, trees, or other objects that can
obscure your vision.
• Check overhead clearance carefully before
driving under power lines, wires, bridges or low
hanging tree branches, before entering or
leaving buildings, or in any other situation
where the operator and/or roll bar may be
struck, which could result in serious injury.
• To avoid upsets, drive the tractor with care and
at a safe speed. Use extra caution when
operating over rough ground, when crossing
ditches or slopes, and when turning corners.
• If the tractor becomes stuck, use reverse to
free the tractor to prevent tractor upset.
2. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and tip-over accidents which can result in severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not operate this unit on that area or serious
injury could result.
DO:
• Operate up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
such obstacles.
• Place the transmission in the low range. when
climbing or descending slopes. Always keep
machine in gear when going down slopes to
take advantage of engine braking action.
• Follow the manufacturers recommendations for
counterweights to improve stability.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in
speed or direction. Rapid engagement or
braking could cause the front of the machine to
lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could
cause serious injury.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the PTO and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel goes over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
3. CHILDREN
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the machine. Never assume
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the operating area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter
the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with safe machine
operation.
• Never allow children under 16 years old to
operate the machine. Bylaws may stipulate a
different minimum age. Children 16 years and
over should only operate machine under close
parental supervision and proper instruction.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child or other hazard.
• Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
4. OPERATING THE PTO
• When operating PTO driven equipment,
disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and wait
until the PTO stops before dismounting the
tractor and disconnecting the equipment.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing when
operating the PTO or when near rotating
equipment.
