DR Power 3-Point Hitch Top-Discharge - Manual (Page 5)

5
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
TRAINING
• Read this owner’s manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before operation. Be completely familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
• Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the unit. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should be allowed
to use your unit.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop the engine when they
are in the vicinity of the unit. Keep work area clean and clear of branches or obstacles, which could cause you
to stumble or fall.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their
property, and themselves.
• Your chipper is a powerful tool, not a plaything. Exercise extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to chip limbs and branches. Do not use it for any other purpose.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your place of
purchase for additional assistance.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
• Do not operate the machine without wearing adequate outer garments and safety goggles. Always wear safety
glasses or goggles during operation and while performing any adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign
objects that may be thrown from the machine. Be sure your glasses or goggles fit properly.
• Avoid loose-fitting clothes and use protective footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces. Shirt and
slacks that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Secure hair above shoulders.
Do not wear loose clothes or jewelry that can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals or sneakers. Wear gloves when feeding material into the shredder hopper or chipper chute. Be sure
your gloves fit properly and do not have loose cuffs or drawstring.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments without shutting off the tractor, waiting for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop and disconnecting the P.T.O. drive shaft.
OPERATION
• Never place your hands, feet, or any part of your body in the chipper chute or discharge opening, or near or
under any moving part while the chipper is running. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. If it
becomes necessary to push material into the chipper chute, use a small diameter stick, NOT YOUR HANDS.
• Keep your face and body back from the chipper chute to avoid accidental bounce back of any material.
• The chipper is designed to be run with the weight of the unit on the ground. Chipping with the unit while it is off
the ground can result in injury to yourself or others, or damage to the machine which may not be covered under
warranty.
• The machine should only be operated on a level surface. Never operate your unit on a slippery, wet, muddy, or
icy surface.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object or if your machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, immediately stop the tractor and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop. After the
machine has come to a complete stop proceed as follows:
• Disconnect P.T.O. shaft from tractor.
• Inspect for any damage.
• Repair or replace any damaged parts before restarting and operating the machine.