
SAFE OPERATION
Careful operation is your best insurance against an
accident.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property. Read and understand this manual
carefully before operating the machine. All operators,
no matter how much experience they may have had,
must read and understand this and other related
manuals before operating the machine or any
implement attached to it. It is the owner's obligation to
instruct all operators in safe operation.
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot understand the
contents, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them. This mowing machine is capable of
amputating hands, feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
BEFORE OPERATING THE
MACHINE
Know your equipment and its limitations. Read all
instructions in this manual and machine safety labels
before attempting to start and operate the machine.
1. General
• The zero turn mowing machine has different
steering characteristics than other machines with a
steering wheel and does not have a service brake
pedal (but, has a parking brake lever. Normal
slowing down and stopping is done with the motion
control levers.). Read and understand the
Operator's Manual before operating the machine.
Practice operating the machine at low engine speed
in an unobstructed area without engaging the
mower.
• Pay special attention to the safety labels on the
machine itself.
• Do not allow any bystanders around or near the
machine during operation.
• Do not allow passengers, children or non-qualified
operators on the machine at any time. The operator
must remain in the machine seat throughout
operation.
• Do not operate the machine or any attachments
while under the influence of alcohol, medication,
controlled substances or when fatigued.
• Do not wear loose, torn, or bulky clothing around
the machine. The clothing may catch on moving
parts or controls, leading to the risk of an accident.
Wear and use any additional safety items such as a
hard hat, safety boots or shoes, eye and hearing
protection, gloves and so on, as appropriate or
required.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while
operating the machine.
• Do not operate the machine or any attachments
while using or texting with a cellphone or any other
electronic device.
Safe operation requires your full attention.
• Carefully check the vicinity before operating
machine or any implement attached to it. Clear the
work area of objects (such as wires and rocks) that
might be picked up and thrown. Check for overhead
clearance which may interfere with the grass
catcher or ROPS.
• Check brakes and other mechanical parts for
correct adjustment and wear. Replace worn or
damaged parts promptly. Check the tightness of all
nuts and bolts regularly.
(See PERIODIC SERVICE on page 43 and
ADJUSTMENT on page 58.)
• Keep all shields and guards in place. Replace any
that are damaged or missing.
• Before allowing other people to use your machine,
explain how to operate and have them read this
manual before operation.
• In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident prevention
are dependent upon the awareness, concern and
prudence of personnel involved in the operation,
transport and maintenance of the equipment.
• Keep the machine and attachments in good
operating condition and keep safety devices in
place and in proper working condition.
• Do not modify the machine. Unauthorized
modification may affect the function of the machine,
which may result in personal injury.
• Do not make any modifications to the engine or
emission components as they may result in
damage and malfunctions such as:
– Damage to the power train from excessive
engine output.
– Engine overheating caused by exceeding the
engine cooling performance capabilities.
– Malfunctions of the exhaust gas aftertreatment
control devices.
Modifications to the engine and its emission
components may violate emission regulations and
are subject to fines and penalties. Kubota and its
affiliates are not liable for any damage, malfunction
or accidents caused by modifications to the engine
or emission components.