Husqvarna Z454 Owner Manual - Page 8

SAFETY • Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a full stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge guard. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Look for traffic when operating near or going across roadways. • Use more care when loading or removing 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 remove the risk of injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does occur. Speak to your retailer for aid in choosing the right equipment. • Wear correct 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 shows 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. • Obey 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 near at hand when using the machine. • Do not use the machine when barefoot. • Always wear protective shoes or boots. Steel toe caps are recommended. 8 • 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 become caught in moving parts. • Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing. Slope Operation Slopes are a major cause related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on slopes requires more care. 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. • Look for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Select a low ground speed so it will not be necessary to stop while on the slope. • Do not mow on wet grass. Tires can lose traction. • Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and continue slowly straight down the slope. • Move slowly and gradually on slopes. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause machine to roll over. • Use more care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; the stability of the machine can be effected. • Do not use on steep slopes. • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a foot on the ground. • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or the edge caves in. WARNING! Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across slopes.