Cub Cadet PRO Z 972 SD Operation Manual - Page 2

Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING! WARNING California Proposition 65 Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. DANGER This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Training 1. Read the Operator's manual and other training material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read English it is the owner's responsibility to explain this material to them. 2. Become familiar with the safe operation of the machine, operator controls, and safety signs. 3. All operators and mechanics should be trained to operate or service the equipment. The owner is responsible for training them. 4. Never let children under the age of 16 or untrained people operate or service the equipment. Local regulations may further restrict the age of the operator. 5. The owner/operator can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to them, other people or property. General Operation 1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference by each operator and for ordering replacement parts. 2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage the controls quickly. 3. Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain this machine who has not read the manual. Never permit children under the age of 16 to operate this machine. 4. Do not remove any shields, guards, labels or safety devices. If a shield, guard, label or safety device is damaged or does not function, repair or replace it before operating the machine. 5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. 6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects that could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. 7. Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by the machine manufacturer. 8. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator. 9. Always wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, long pants, gloves, hearing protection , safety shoes, hard hat) when operating or maintaining this machine. Long hair, loose fitting clothing or jewelry may get entangled in moving parts. Follow all federal, state and local guidelines regarding the use of personal protective equipment. 10. For extended use of this product, hearing protection is recommended. 11. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place. 12. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet. 13. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 14. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. 15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway. 16. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 17. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 18. Never carry passengers. 19. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident. 20. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed. Be aware of your direction of travel to avoid accidents. 21. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments. 22. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always stop on level ground, turn off blade(s), place drive speed control levers in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before leaving the operator position. 23. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine on a trailer or truck. The machine should not be driven on unstable, unsecured or inadequate ramps because the machine could tip over causing serious personal injury. 24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator and/or ROPS may be struck which could result in serious injury and/or machine tip over. 25. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. 26. Disengage the blades, set the parking brake to the 'on' position and make sure the speed control lever are in the neutral position before attempting to start the engine. Only start the engine from the operator's position. 2