Hayter Mowers Heritage Tractor Code143P 30-Dec - Manual (Page 9)

SAFE MOWING GUIDE
9 F−98857
speed. The engine and transmission will
also run cooler at maximum engine
speed. Also, the grass bagger will
function better when the engine is
operating at maximum speed. On slopes,
decrease the ground speed and use care
making sure the mower feels safe to
operate.
If the weather conditions are bad, do not
mow. If weather conditions become bad,
stop cutting and finish later. It is
dangerous to cut grass in the rain. Always
find protection in an electrical storm. If the
weather conditions are extra dry, protect
your eyes with safety glasses from the
dust and from the objects discharged by
the mower. Also, a dust or a pollen mask
can help.
Your mower is equipped with a number of
safety devices which are important to the
safety of the operator and bystanders and
must never be changed or removed from
the mower. If a safety device is lost,
damaged or no longer functions, repair or
replace the device before you operate the
mower.
It is best to mow during the day. If you
must mow at night, make sure there is
enough light for safe operation.
Your mower will require regular
maintenance and service. The
maintenance schedule depends on the
hours of use. Also, mowing conditions can
change the schedule. Check the
Instruction Book for more information.
Correct maintenance will help the mower
function safely.
Do not service the
mower (except for the
carburettor adjustment)
while the engine is
running. Before you
service the unit, even
with the engine
stopped, always
disconnect the wire
from the spark plug to
prevent the engine from
starting.
If you hit a large object during operation,
stop the engine. Remove the wire from
the spark plug. Carefully inspect the
mower for damage. Before you start the
engine again, make the necessary
repairs. If you feel new or excessive
vibration, immediately stop the engine
and check for the problem. Vibration can
be a warning of a problem. Keep all nuts,
bolts and screws tight.
The blade is the most dangerous part of
the mower. Frequently check the blade
and the blade mounting fasteners. Keep
the fasteners tight. If the blade hits a solid
object, stop the engine. Remove the wire
from the spark plug. Check for a blade
that is bent, cracked or for other
damages. Before you start the engine,
replace a damaged blade(s). For safety,
replace the blade every two years.
A sharp blade decreases the workload on
the engine and more evenly cuts grass.
Frequently sharpen the blade for a better
looking cut. Use the left side of the mower
housing to trim near an object.
A grass bagger is a good accessory for
your mower. For best performance and
safety, make sure the grass bagger is
approved for use with your mower. Follow
the assembly and operation instructions
included with the grass bagger.
Some grass baggers require a special
blade for best performance. Before you
attach, check, or empty the grass bagger,
always stop the engine. Before each use
of the grass bagger, check for cracks,
wear or deterioration. Before you use the
grass bagger, replace a damaged part
with a replacement part approved by the
factory.
For you to have a good green lawn, follow
the mowing procedures below. Do not cut
the grass too short. If you cut the grass
too short you can cause the grass to
become yellow or make the lawn look
brown. Use a lower height of cut in cool
months when the grass is thicker. Raise
the height of cut in hot dry periods. If you
cut the grass with a blade that is not
sharp or at a slow engine speed you can
damage the grass. Move the throttle
control to the FAST position when mowing
and using the grass bagger. Also, use a
slower ground speed when using the
grass bagger.
If you change the direction or pattern of
cut slightly every time you mow will make
the grass grow stronger and thicker. Do
not add oil or petrol to the mower while on
the lawn. Spilled oil or petrol can kill the
grass. In high or thick grass, do not try to
cut all the grass the first time. Raise the
height of cut on the first cutting and lower
the height for the next cutting. Another
way is to cut only part of the width of the
mower and decrease your ground speed
(not the engine) to move more slowly so
that the mower can discharge the grass
as it moves forward.
Understand the controls and how they
work. Learn the ground speed(s) of your
mower. Check the stopping distance
required at different travel speeds. Check
the turning radius of the mower. The
controls on your riding mower are different
from an automobile. The throttle is
operated by hand and holds the engine
speed constant until it is changed. The
location of the shift lever and the shift
pattern is different from that of an
automobile. Also, the brake and clutch
systems are different. Remember the
procedures to follow in an emergency.
Remember, turning off the engine ignition
switch will stop the blade and the drive
mechanism. If the traction of the wheels is
lost or does not feel safe, disengage all
systems and stop the engine. Dismount
from the mower. Push the unit to a safe
place before you begin mowing again.
Your unit has an electrical system that
includes an operator presence switch in
the seat. The operator presence switch
detects if the operator is sitting on the
seat. The engine will stop if the operator
leaves the seat when the blade
engagement control is engaged. This
operator presence switch is a safety
device only. It must not regularly be used
to stop the engine or the blade. There are
other control systems on the mower for
this purpose. Always keep the operator
presence switch and other safety devices
and controls in place and operating for
your protection.
Remember, your mower is a tool that can
be dangerous if it is not correctly used.
Follow the instructions in this Instruction
Book. Safe and careful use of the mower
will give you many safe hours of problem
free use.