Safety. Excel BigDog Mowers X Diablo

SAFETY

This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a message intended to provide a reasonable degree of PERSONAL

SAFETY for operators and other persons during the normal operation and servicing of this equipment.

DANGER

– denotes immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death.

WARNING

– denotes a hazard or unsafe practice which COULD result in severe personal injury or death.

Safe Servicing Practices

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.

Understand Correct Service

 Be sure you understand a service procedure before you work on the machine.

 Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair the function and/or safety and affect machine life.

 If it is necessary to make checks with the engine running, always use two people - with the operator at the controls, able to see the person doing the checking.

Pre-Operation Precautions

Fuel Handling

 To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

 Observe usual fuel handling precautions:

• Do not smoke while refueling. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Do not remove fuel cap or fill tank with engine running or while engine is hot. Clean up any fuel spills.

• Allow engine to cool before storing machine inside a building.

• Keep fuel away from open flame or spark and store machine away from open flame or spark or pilot light such as on a water heater or appliances.

• Use extreme care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are extremely flammable and vapors are explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property.

• Refuel outdoors. Never refuel or drain the fuel from the machine indoors.

• Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong odor of gasoline or diesel fuel fumes present. Locate and correct cause.

• Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy more than a 30 day supply of fuel.

• Do not fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with interior carpets or plastic truck bed liners. Always place fuel containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• When practical, remove gas or diesel fuel powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel the equipment with its wheels on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on the truck or trailer using a portable container and not a fuel dispenser nozzle. If a fuel dispenser nozzle must be used, keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Never use gasoline or diesel fuel for cleaning parts.

• Read and observe safety precautions elsewhere in this manual.

 Gasoline and diesel fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed.

• Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and illness.

• Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.

• Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank or fuel container opening.

• Keep fuel away from eyes and skin.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

Understand Machine Operation

 Only qualified and trained personnel should operate the equipment.

 Carefully read the operator’s manual and all manuals furnished with the attachments. Learn the location and purpose of all controls, instruments, indicators and labels.

Wear Protective Clothing

 Do not operate or service the equipment while wearing sandals, tennis shoes, sneakers, shorts or any type of loose fitting clothing. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts. Always wear long pants, safety glasses, ear protection and safety shoes when operating or servicing this machine.

 Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing the hydraulic system and battery, or when grinding mower blades and removing accumulated debris.

 Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.

• Always wear adequate ear protection, such as earplugs, when operating this equipment as prolonged exposure

115615 2-1 REV C

to uncomfortable or loud noises can cause impairment or loss of hearing.

• Do not wear radios or music headphones while operating the machinery. Safe operation requires your full attention.

Operation Precautions

Avoid Fire Hazards

 Clean flammable material from machine. Prevent fires by keeping engine compartment, top of deck, exhaust area, battery, hydraulic lines, fuel line, fuel tank and operator’s station clean of accumulated trash, grass clippings, and other debris. Always clean up spilled fuel and oil.

Start Engine Safely

 Avoid possible injury or death from machine runaway.

 Do not start engine by shorting across starter terminals.

 Before you start the engine:

• Sit on the operator’s seat.

• Move control levers to the neutral/brake position.

Operate Machine Safely

 Refer to the unit’s operator’s manual for complete safety information on safe machine operation.

 Always maintain a safe distance from people and pets when mowing

 Always be aware of what is behind the machine before backing up.

 Never leave machine unattended with ignition key in switch, especially with children present.

 Follow daily and weekly checklists, making sure hoses are tightly secured and bolts are tightened.

 Always keep engine and machine clean, removing accumulated dirt, trash and other material from machine.

 Never put hands or feet under any part of the machine while it is running.

 Never attempt to start engine when there is a strong odor of gasoline fumes present. Locate and correct cause.

 Keep all safety shields and covers in place, except for servicing.

 Do not touch hot parts of machine.

General Maintenance Precautions

 Repairs or maintenance requiring engine power should be performed by trained maintenance personnel only.

 Never run the engine in an enclosed area unless exhaust is vented to the outside. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which is an odorless and deadly poison.

 Unless specifically required, DO NOT have engine running when servicing or making adjustments to mower.

Park the machine on level ground. Place steering control levers in the park brake position, disengage deck clutch, lower deck, remove ignition switch key and disconnect negative battery cable before doing any maintenance.

Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, be

REV C 2-2 sure proper ventilation is available when engine must be operated in an enclosed area.

 Before working on or under the deck, make certain engine cannot be accidentally started. Shut engine off, remove ignition switch key and disconnect negative battery cable for maximum safety.

 Except when changing or checking belt, always keep belt covers on mower deck for safety as well as cleanliness.

 Use a stick or similar instrument to clean under the mower making sure that no part of the body, especially arms and hands are under mower.

 Keep your machine clean and remove any deposits of trash and clippings, which can cause engine fires and hydraulic overheating as well as excessive belt wear.

Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

 Always wear adequate eye protection when servicing the hydraulic system and battery, or when grinding mower blades and removing accumulated debris.

 Never attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to the mower drive system, mower deck or any attachment while the engine is running or deck clutch is engaged.

 Exercise caution when releasing spring tension from any of the belt idlers or when working with any of the deck lift components.

 Never work under the machine or attachment unless it is safely supported with jack stands. Make certain machine is secure when it is raised and placed on the jack stands.

The jack stands should not allow the machine to move when the engine is running and the drive wheels are rotating. Use only certified jack stands. Use only appropriate jack stands, with a minimum weight rating of 2000 pounds to block the unit up. Use in pairs only. Follow the instructions supplied with the vehicle stands.

 Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good working condition.

 Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

 Exercise caution when working under the deck as the mower blades are extremely sharp. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.

 Use only genuine BigDog ®

Mower replacement parts to ensure that original standards are maintained.

Maintenance Precautions

Avoid Fire Hazards

 Be prepared if an accident or fire should occur. Know where the first aid kit and the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.

 Provide adequate ventilation when charging batteries.

 Do not smoke near battery.

 Never check fuel level with an open flame.

 Never use an open flame to look for leaks anywhere on the equipment.

 Never use an open flame as light anywhere on or around the equipment.

 When preparing engine for storage, remember that fuel stabilizer is volatile and therefore dangerous. Seal and

115615

tape openings after adding the inhibitor. Keep container tightly closed when not in use.

 Inspect electrical wiring for worn or frayed insulation.

Install new wiring if wires are damaged.

Prepare For Emergencies

 Be prepared if a fire starts.

 Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguishers available.

 Keep emergency numbers for doctor, ambulance service, hospital, and fire department near the telephone.

Prevent Battery Explosions

 Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

 Charge batteries in an open well-ventilated area, away from sparks and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.

 Avoid skin and clothing contact with battery acid.

• Always wear eye protection when checking the battery, acid can cause serious injury to skin and eyes. If contact occurs, flush area with clean water and call physician immediately. Acid will also damage clothing.

• Do not drink the battery electrolyte.

• Do not allow open flame near the battery when charging.

• Hydrogen gas forms inside the battery. This gas is both toxic and flammable and may cause an explosion if exposed to flame. Always disconnect the negative

(black) battery cable(s) before disconnecting the positive (red) cable(s). Always connect the positive (red) battery cable(s) before connecting the negative (black) cable(s).

• Do not overfill battery.

• Electrolyte may overflow and damage paint, wiring or structure. When cleaning the battery, use soap and water. Be careful not to get soap and water into the battery. Clean the battery terminals with a solution of four parts water and one part baking soda when they become corroded.

 Shorts caused by battery terminals or metal tools touching metal mower components can cause sparks. Sparks can cause a battery gas explosion which will result in personal injury.

• Prevent the battery terminals from touching any metal mower parts when removing or installing the battery.

• Do not allow metal tools to short between the battery terminals and metal mower parts.

 Incorrect battery cable routing could cause damage to the mower and battery cables. This can cause sparks which can cause a battery gas explosion which will result in personal injury. Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable(s) before disconnecting the positive (red) cable(s). Always connect the positive (red) battery cable(s) before connecting the negative (black) cable(s).

Avoid Acid Burns

 Sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is poisonous. It is strong enough to burn skin, eat holes in clothing and cause blindness if splashed in eyes.

Avoid the hazard by:

• Filling batteries in a well-ventilated area.

• Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.

• Avoiding breathing fumes when electrolyte is added.

• Avoiding spilling or dripped electrolyte.

If you spill acid on yourself:

• Flush your skin with water.

• Apply baking soda or lime to help neutralize the acid.

• Flush your eyes with water for 10-15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately.

If acid is swallowed:

• Drink large amounts of water or milk.

• Then drink milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil.

• Get medical attention immediately.

115615 2-3 REV C

REV C 2-4 115615