Countax D50 - Manual (Page 3)

Page 3
Safety Instructions
6. Check the condition of the tyres and ensure that they are
inflated to the correct pressure (refer to the specifications on
the back page of this manual). This is particularly important if
the machine is to be taken on the public highway.
7. Check the mower is in good working order, paying particular
attention to brakes and steering.
8. Check that all linkages, connections, and pivot nuts are secure
and that the wheel nuts are torqued correctly.
OPERATION
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous fumes can collect.
2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
3. Before starting the engine, disengage blade and attachment
drives and ensure your feet are off all pedals.
4. Take care on slopes of more than 10º incline or decline
(maximum safe operation is at 15º).
5. Remember that there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ slope. Travel
on grass slopes requires particular care to guard against
overturning:
• Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill.
• Machine speed should be kept low on slopes and in tight turns.
• Stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards.
• Avoid mowing across the face of the slope.
6. Watch for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
7. Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other
than grass.
8. When using the machine, never direct discharge of material
towards bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while
in operation.
9. Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields or
without safety protective devices in place and in good
working order.
10. Do not change governor settings to increase the revs of the
engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed increases the
hazard of injury.
11. Before leaving the operators position:
• Disengage the drive to the cutter blades and attachments and
lower the attachments.
• Remove your foot from drive pedals and set the handbrake.
• Stop the engine and remove the key.
12. Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine and remove
ignition key before:
• Clearing blockages.
• Checking, cleaning or working on the mower.
• Refuelling.
• Removing the grass catcher.
• After striking a foreign object (inspect the mower for damage
and make repairs before restarting the tractor).
• If the machine starts to vibrate abnormally check immediately
and call dealer if necessary.
13. Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or
not in use.
14. Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out.
15. Never work on the mower when the engine is running.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight to be sure the
equipment is in a safe working condition.
2. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
3. To reduce the risk of fire keep the engine, silencer and battery
compartment free of grass, leaves, petrol or excessive grease.
4. Check the grass catcher frequently for wear and tear or
deterioration.
5. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
6. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
7. Be careful during adjustment of the machine to prevent
entrapment of fingers between moving blades and fixed
parts of the machine.
8. Do not use steam cleaners or high-pressure washers directly
towards the bearings or electrical components (Countax do not
recommend the use of these power cleaners). Incorrect use
could void warranty.
SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
USE OF COUNTAX D18/50 TRACTOR
1. Use good sense at all times and to ensure this tractor is safe
and serviceable, fit only original manufacturers
supplied spares.
2. When inspecting the area to be cut, note also the position of
any stumps, manhole covers, bumps and depressions and
avoid them to prevent damaging the blades.
3. We recommend the use of standard diesel and that you ensure
the fuel tank is full before you start the machine.
4. Always disconnect both battery terminals before attempting
any work in the engine compartment.
5. Do not leave the tractor unattended and running.
6. Do not put hands near moving belts or the Power Take-Off
pulley while it is rotating.
SAFETY SWITCHES
SEAT SAFETY SWITCH
Your Countax tractor is fitted with a switch that will turn OFF the
engine and the cutter deck should you dismount.
This is a safety back-up and should not be used voluntarily. If
you want to dismount from the tractor and want the engine to
continue running, first switch OFF the cutter deck, then apply
the parking brake. You can now dismount. DO NOT LEAVE
THE ENGINE IDLING FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. Should
you try and dismount with the parking brake ON, the cutter deck
will cut out after a short delay of a couple of seconds. Do not
rely on this back up cutout. Ensure safety by switching the
cutter deck off.
PARK BRAKE SAFETY SWITCH
Your Countax tractor is fitted with a safety switch activated by
the Park Brake lever. This switch earths the ignition unless the
brake is on. The engine will only start while the brake is
engaged. Two red lights on the dash (Ignition, and Brake)
indicate that the engine is ready to start.
N.B Both safety switches work on the fuel cut-out solenoid.
Should safety switches be activated, to re-start the tractor -
the ignition switch should be turned compleately off.