— Never allow children to play on, ride on or operate the equipment. Children are not qualified to operate this equipment. — Do not allow any riders. — Use three-point contact (handholds and steps) and face the equipment when mounting or dismounting. — Keep bystanders 300 ft (92 m) from the mowing operation. — Know the worksite before you use the mower. Be aware of possible terrain hazards that you may encounter. Remove or mark obstacles and debris that could damage or be thrown by the mower. — Only use attachments and parts that are approved by the mower manufacturer. — Make sure all attachments are lowered, set the parking brake, shut off the engine and cycle the control levers. Remove the key before leaving the tractor. (See page 18, Proper Equipment Shut Down Practices.) — When transporting the mower on a trailer, follow the manufacturer’s detailed instructions for loading, tying down and unloading the mower. Keep Children Away from Equipment No Riders Shut Down Unattended Equipment Keep Bystanders Away Follow A Safety Program Know The Equipment Read and understand the DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTICE safety signs and other informational signs on the tractor and mower and in the manufacturer’s operator’s manual. Ask your supervisor or mower dealer to explain any information you do not understand. Failure to obey safety instructions could result in death or serious injury. Read and Understand All Safety Signs Make sure all the manufacturer’s protective structures, guards, shields, screens and panels are in good repair, in place and securely fastened. Damaged, missing or weakened safety components can create a hazardous situation for you as the operator. Never remove or modify any safety components including thrown object shielding on a mower. Know the following about your tractor and mower: — Function, purpose and use of all controls. — Correct operation speeds. — Slope and uneven terrain capabilities and proper operation. — Braking and steering characteristics. — Turning radius and clearances. — How to quickly stop equipment in an emergency. Read and Understand Manuals Before Operating Prepare For Safe Operation Check The Mower And Tractor Equipment Before beginning your work day inspect the machine and have all systems in good operational condition. WARNING! Prevent possible crushing injury from falling equipment. Hydraulic system or part failure could cause unsupported equipment to fall. Do not go under raised equipment unless it is properly supported according to the operator’s manual. — Perform daily and periodic service procedures as instructed by the equipment manufacturer. — Check for loose, broken, missing or damaged tractor and mower parts. Repair or replace these parts. — Check for proper tractor and mower attachments. — Check for proper tractor and mower PTO rpm rating match. — Check mower blade(s) condition. Replace severely worn, bent, gouged or nicked blades including the blade bolts and fasteners. Never straighten or weld on blades. — Ensure thrown object shielding is properly installed and in good condition. Repair or replace if damaged or missing. Read Manual – Block Up or Securely Support Mower Maintain Machine Walk-Around Inspection Prepare For Safe Operation — Check that all guards and shields are in place and that all equipment is in good operating condition. This includes PTO driveline, gearbox and implement guards and shields that are used for operator protection. — Check for properly latched driveline yoke-end locking devices. — Check for damaged or leaky tractor and mower hydraulic systems. Repair or adjust as needed. WARNING! Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin or eyes and cause serious injury, blindness or death. Fluid leaks under pressure may not be visible. Use a piece of cardboard or wood to find leaks, not your hand. Wear eye protection. If fluid is injected into the skin, it must be removed within a few hours by medical personnel familiar with this type of injury. — Keep the operator platform surface clean and free of grease, oil, dirt, snow or ice. Steps and handholds must be clean and functional. — Ensure work lights are kept clean (if equipped). Check that all lights work properly. — Ensure the slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign, refl ectors and warning lights are in good condition and can be clearly seen. — Ensure all tools or loose objects are removed or securely fastened while operating the machine. — Check all safety signs for clarity. Replace damaged signs. Check for Missing/ Damaged Guards and Shields Check for Leaks and Inspect Hoses Put Away Tools Prepare For Safe Operation Know The Work Area Before you operate the mower thoroughly inspect the work area. Walk around the area and inspect the surfaces you will travel on when using the mower. Walk Around the Worksite Locate and avoid: — Holes — Deep mud — Other utilities — Drop-offs — Wet spots — Any conditions — Obstacles — Soft soil which could (stumps) — Rough spots cause collision, — Excavatio...