John Deere Tractor 100 Series OMG X23532 J0 - Manual (Page 7)

Safety - 6
SAFETY
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when
operating machine.
• Data indicates operators 60 years and above are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or
counterweights.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or
replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure guards and
shields are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary
adjustments before you operate.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts
and the mower assembly are not worn and damaged. Replace worn and
damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner are in place
before starting the engine.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is locked before
starting engine. Only start engine from the operator’s position.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine.
Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of
personal injury.
• If you hit an object or if abnormal vibration occurs, stop the machine and
inspect it. Make repairs before you operate.
• Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer of
the machine. Keep safety labels visible when installing accessories and
attachments.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service and operation
requires your full attention.
• When machine is left unattended, stored, or parked, lower the mower
deck unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
Using a Spark Arrestor
The engine in this machine is not equipped with a spark arrestor muffler.
The California Public Resources Code, section 4442.5 provides as
follows:
No person shall sell, offer for sale, lease, or rent to any person any internal
combustion engine subject to Section 4442 or 4443, and not subject to
Section 13005 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the person provides
a written notice to the purchaser or bailee, at the time of sale or at the time
of entering into the lease or rental contract, stating that it is a violation of
Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with
a spark arrestor, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective
working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for
the prevention of fire pursuant to Section 4443. Cal. Pub. Res. Code
4442.5.
Other states or jurisdictions may have similar laws. A spark arrestor for
your machine may be available from your authorized dealer. An installed
spark arrestor must be maintained in good working order by the operator.
Checking Mowing Area
• Clear mowing area of objects that might be
thrown. Keep people and pets out of mowing
area.
• Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles
can injure the operator or interfere with
mowing operation. Before mowing, identify potential obstacles such as
low-hanging branches, and trim or remove those obstacles.
• Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do not mow where
traction or stability is doubtful.
• Test drive area with mower lowered but not running. Slow down when
you travel over rough ground.
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades or any other attachments.
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
4. Lock the park brake.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the key.
7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you leave the
operator’s seat.
8. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the spark plug wire(s)
(for gasoline engines) before servicing the machine.
Rotating Blades are Dangerous
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL
ACCIDENTS:
• Rotating blades can cut off arms and legs,
and throw objects. Failure to observe safety
instructions could result in serious injury or
death.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from mower deck when engine is
running.
• Be alert at all times, drive forward and in reverse carefully. People,
especially children can move quickly into the mowing area before you
know it.
• Before backing up, stop mower blades or attachments and look down
and behind the machine carefully, especially for children.
• Do not mow in reverse.
• Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
• Park machine safely before leaving the operator’s station for any reason
including emptying the grasscatchers or unplugging the chute.
• The mower blades should stop in approximately five seconds when the
mower is disengaged. If you believe that your blades may not be stopping
in that period of time, take your machine to your authorized dealer where
they can safely check and service your machine.
Protect Children
• Death or serious injury can
occur when young children
associate having fun with a lawn
mowing machine simply because
someone has given them a ride
on a machine.
• Children are attracted to lawn mowing machines and mowing activities.
They don’t understand the dangers of rotating blades or the fact that the
operator is unaware of their presence.
• Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in
the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the