MTD Cub Cadet 1000 Series - Safety Procedures; Stopping the Unit Safely; Maintenance Safety Precautions

Safety (continued)
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. Do
not mow slopes with an incline of more
than 10°. Use slope gauge included with
your unit as an aid in determining the
incline of a slope.
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. S et 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 control levers
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 owners manual). Keep
equipment in good condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
Repair or replace as necessary.
8. Keep unit free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage. 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.
Refer to Section 3, “Decals”, for decal
description and location.
13. Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as necessary as
indicated in Section 6, “Maintenance”.
14. Chock wheels (place blocks of wood
in front of and behind 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.
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.
16. 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.
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