Troy-Bilt GTX 20 - Manual (Page 7)

Safety (continued)
7. Do not start or stop suddenly when
going up or down a slope. Keep all
movement on slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction. If the
unit has a gear drive transmission,
choose a low gear so that you will
not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
8. If unit is unable to continue moving
uphill, disengage attachment/PTO
drive, check area on ground
immediately behind unit, watch area
to rear and proceed backward slowly.
9. Do not operate unit on steep slopes
where there is a risk of an overturn.
Da not mow slopes with an incline
of more than 10°.
10. Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of unit.
11. Do not operate unit on wet grass.
Reduced traction could cause sliding.
12. Do not try to stabilize unit by putting
your foot to the ground.
13. Do not park unit on a hill.
STOPPING
1. Before leaving operator’s position or
before leaving tractor unattended:
a. Bring unit to a complete stop.
b. Disengage attachment/PTO drive.
c. Lower attachments to ground.
d. Set parking brake.
e. Shut off engine and remove
ignition key.
f. Wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop.
2. Disengage attachment/PTO drive
when transporting tractor or when
attachments are not in use.
MAINTENANCE
1. Before performing any service,
adjustments or maintenance on unit,
engine or attachments:
a. Park unit on a firm and level
surface.
b. Disengage attachment/PTO drive.
c. Lower attachments.
d. Move all controls to “Neutral”.
e. Apply parking brake.
f. Shut off engine. Remove ignition
key and allow engine to cool.
2. Always wear sturdy footwear
(preferably steel-toed shoes), long
trousers, hearing and eye protection
while doing any maintenance on unit.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothing,
jewelry, scarves, ties, etc., which
could get caught in moving parts. Tie
up or restrain long hair.
3. Mower blades are extremely sharp.
Use caution when servicing. Wear
gloves or wrap blades in rags. Wear
eye protection when sharpening
blades.
4. Keep children away while performing
maintenance or adjustments.
5. Provide safe, adequate light in your
work area. NEVER USE AN OPEN
FLAME FOR ILLUMINATION! Use
only a portable safety light enclosed
in a wire cage for working inside or
under unit. NOTE: Hot filaments
from a broken light bulb can ignite
spilled fuel or oil.
6. Keep nuts and bolts tight (especially
blade mounting hardware—check for
proper torque specifications
frequently in this area-refer to
maintenance section of attachment
owner/operator manual). Keep
equipment in good condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation
regularly. Repair or replace as
necessary.
8. Keep machine free of grass, leaves
and debris build-up. Clean up oil or
fuel spills. Allow machine to cool
before storing.
9. Grass catcher components are
subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. Check their proper operation
regularly. Repair or replace as
necessary
10. Frequently check components and
replace when necessary. Use only
factory- approved replacement parts.
Parts manufactured by others may
present safety hazards even though
they may fit on the unit.
11. Replace muffler if worn or defective.
12. Keep all safety and operation decals
in place. If these decals are damaged
or not legible, clean or replace them
as needed.
13. Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as necessary as
indicated in Section 6 “Maintenance”.
14. Chock wheels (place blocks of wood
on both sides of wheels) when
performing maintenance with the
parking brake off. Securely support
unit if it must be raised for any
reason.
15. Check wheel attachment hardware
regularly and ensure it is properly
secured.
16. Do not attempt to mount a tire on a
wheel rim unless you are experienced
in doing so. Follow proper safety
precautions and use proper tools.
Mounting a wheel improperly could
result in serious injury or death.
17. Do not inflate tires above
recommended pressures. Use a clip-
on chuck to inflate tires, with an
extension hose long enough to allow
you to stand to one side and NOT
over or in front of the tire assembly.