CHAPTER 4 SAFETY

The above Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED! It stresses an attitude of ‘‘Heads Up for Safety’’ and can be found throughout this Operator’s Manual and on the machine itself.

BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT, READ AND STUDY THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, BE SURE THAT EVERYONE WHO OPERATES OR WORKS WITH THIS EQUIPMENT, WHETHER FAMILY MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE, IS FAMILIAR WITH THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

Our Company ALWAYS takes the operator and his/her safety into consideration when designing its machinery and guards exposed moving parts for his/her protection. However, some areas cannot be guarded or shielded in order to assure proper operation. Furthermore, this Operator’s Manual, and decals on the machine, warn of additional hazards, and should be read and observed closely.

Danger

‘‘DANGER’’ indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Warning

‘‘WARNING’’ indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Caution

‘‘CAUTION’’ indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also alert against unsafe practices.

Mandatory Safety Shutdown Procedure

BEFORE unclogging, cleaning, adjusting, lubricating or servicing the unit:

1.Disengage the tractor PTO.

2.Place the tractor transmission in park and/or lock brake pedals to prevent tractor movement, then shut off the tractor engine.

3.Remove the starter switch key and take it with you.

4.Wait for all movement to stop.

5.Remove the telescoping PTO drive and ALL power connections from the tractor ONLY when you have taken these precautions can you be sure it is safe to proceed. Failure to follow the above procedure, could lead to death or serious bodily injury.

Additional Safety Reminders

It is recommended that the towing tractor be equipped with an enclosed operator’s cab with safety glass or polycarbonate windows, or with protective mesh screens.

Some photographs used in this manual may show doors, guards and shields open or removed for illustration purposes ONLY. BE SURE that all doors, guards and shields are in their proper operating positions and securely attached BEFORE operating unit.

BE SURE the hitchjack locking pin is completely engaged and that the machine is properly blocked and prevented from rolling BEFORE disconnecting the unit from the tractor!

ALWAYS follow state and local regulations regarding use of a safety chain and transport lighting when towing farm equipment on public highways. Restrict highway towing speeds to 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum. BE SURE to check with local law enforcement agencies for your own particular regulations. Unless otherwise prohibited, use a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem. Only a safety chain (NOT an elastic or nylon/plastic tow strap) should be used to retain the connection between the towing and towed machines, in the event of separation of the primary attaching system.