Husqvarna Z146 Owner Manual - Page 8

SAFETY • Always turn off blades, move the steering control lever out to the park brake position, stop engine and remove keys before dismounting. • Do not carry passengers. The machine is only intended for use by one person. • 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 grass catcher or unclogging the discharge guard. • Operate the 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. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. • Always wear eye protection when operating machine. WARNING! When using the machine, approved personal protective equipment must be used. Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your retailer for help in choosing the right equipment. • Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating this machine, including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. Do not mow in shorts and/or footwear with open toes. • Data indicates that operators age 60 years and above are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators must evaluate if they can safely operate the riding mower sufficiently to protect themselves and others from serious injury. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust or engine parts and burn. Do not let the mower deck plow leaves or other debris that can cause a buildup to occur. Clean oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. • Let machine cool before storage. Personal Safety Equipment • Make sure that first aid equipment is close at hand when using the machine. • Do not use the machine when barefoot. • Always wear protective shoes or boots, preferably with steel toe caps. • Always wear approved protective glasses or a full visor when assembling or driving. • Always wear gloves when handling the blades. • Do not wear loose clothing that can get caught in moving parts. • Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing. Slope Operation Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on slopes requires much more caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Mow up and down slopes (10 degrees maximum), not across. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop while on the slope. • Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. • Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • Keep movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause machine to roll over. • Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; the stability of the machine can be effected. • Do not use on steep slopes. 8