SAFE OPERATION 2 2. OPERATING THE VEHICLE C Safety for children Tragedy can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children generally are attracted to vehicles and the work they do. 1. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. 2. Keep children out of the work area and under the watchful eye of another responsible adult. 3. Be alert and shut your vehicle down if children enter the work area. 4. Never carry children in the cargo bed. There is no safe place for them to ride. No person under the age of 5 may ride as a passenger in this vehicle. A passenger under 5 years of age requires special restraints which are not available with this vehicle. 5.
Never allow children to operate the vehicle even under adult supervision. 6. Never allow children to play on the vehicle or on the implement. 7. Use extra caution when backing up. Look behind and down to make sure area is clear before moving. 8. Whenever possible, park your vehicle on a firm, flat and level surface. If this is not possible, park it across the slope. Set the parking brake(s), lower the implements to the ground, remove the key from the ignition and chock the wheels. C Starting 1. Always sit in the operator's seat when starting engine or operating levers or controls. 2.
Before starting the engine, make sure that all levers are in their neutral positions, that the parking brake is engaged. 3. Do not start engine by shorting across starter terminals or bypassing the safety start switch. The vehicle may start in gear and move if normal starting circuitry is bypassed. 4. Be sure that the operator (and passenger) seat belts are fastened. 5. Do not operate or idle engine in a non-ventilated area. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless, and deadly. C Operating 1. Do not wear headphones while operating. 2. Pull only from the trailer hitch (if equipped).
Never hitch to axle housing or any other point except trailer hitch; such arrangements will increase the risk of serious personal injury or death due to a vehicle upset. C Operating on slopes Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip- over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. 1. Travel straight up or down hill. 2. Reduce load when operating on hilly or over rough terrain. 3. Keep front wheels straight at crest of hill or going over bumps. 4. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill. Be especially cautious when changing direction on slopes. 5.
If vehicle stops or loses power going up a hill, lock parking brake to hold vehicle on slope. Maintain direction of travel and release brake slowly. Back straight downhill while maintaining control. Do not turn vehicle sideways. Vehicle is more stable in a straight forward or rearward position. 6. When riding on soft terrain, turn front wheels slightly uphill to keep vehicle on a straight line across the hill. 7. If the vehicle begins to tip, turn front wheels downhill to gain control before proceeding. (1) To avoid upsets, always back up steep slopes. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
(1) Trailer hitch (if equipped) 3. Keep all shields and guards in place. Replace any that are missing or damaged. 4. Avoid sudden starts. To avoid upsets, slow down when turning, on uneven ground, and before stopping. 5. The vehicle cannot turn with the differential locked and attempting to do so could be dangerous. 6. Do not operate near ditches, holes, embankments, or other ground surface features which may collapse under the vehicle's weight. The risk of vehicle upset is even higher when the ground is loose or wet. 7. Watch where you are going at all times. Watch for and avoid obstacles. Be alert at row ends, near trees, and other obstructions. 8.
When working in groups, always let the others know what you are going to do before you do it. 9. Never try to get on or off a moving vehicle.