Cub Cadet RZT S 42 RZT S 42 Operator's Manual - Page 4

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. Slope Operation Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over 13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes roads and while not cutting grass. require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you 14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this public roadway. manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on 15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that area or serious injury could result. 17. Never carry passengers. Do: 18. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident. Be aware 1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. and pay attention to the safety system function that 2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden stops power to the blades when driving in reverse. If not objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall fuctioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for safety grass can hide obstacles. system inspection and repair. 3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that you 19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. will not have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed. or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to maintain 20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and carefully straight down the slope. grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing 4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel any grass or debris, or making any adjustments. weights or counterweights to improve stability. 21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off 5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. blade(s), place drive control levers in neutral, set parking These can change the stability of the machine. brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting. 6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do 22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid a trailer or truck. This machine should not be driven up or acceleration or deceleration could cause the front of the down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed could cause serious injury. manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly. 23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. 24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the machine, which could result in serious injury. Do Not: 1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly uphill and use extra care while turning. 2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in. 25. Disengage all attachment clutches, set the parking brake to 3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the 'ON' position. the ground. 26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of 4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. a height no more than 10". Do not attempt to mow through 5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. sliding. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/ or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard. 6. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to 27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this push the tractor and may cause you to lose control (e.g. machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are and follow all instructions provided with the approved reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to accessory or attachment. overturn). 28. Data indicates that operators, age 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. 29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your customer service representative for assistance. 4 Section 2 - Important Safe Operation Practices