Husqvarna YT46LS Operation Manual - Page 3

SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. SLOPE OPERATION WARNING! When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed the maximum recommended operation angle of 15°. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extreme caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden ob- jects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. • Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. • Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over. • Use extreme caution while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes. • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your 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 if the edge caves in. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. IV. TOWING • Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. • Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment. • On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. • Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. V. SERVICE SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. • Use only approved gasoline container. • Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. • Allow engine to cool before refueling. • Never fuel the machine indoors. • Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances. • Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling. • Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. • Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. • If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. • Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. GENERAL SERVICE • Never operate machine in a closed area. • Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Never interfere with the intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device. Check there proper operation regularly. NEVER operate a machine with a safety device that does not function properly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing. • If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • Check grass catcher components and the discharge chute frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. • Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extreme caution when servicing them. • Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. • Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary. Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing. Always wear eye protection when operating machine. 3