5
Section 2
2. Stand on the operator platform in the operating
position, place the steering control levers in the
neutral position, disengage the parking brake, and
move the PTO switch to the OFF (down) position. Try
to start the engine; the engine should not start.
3. Stand on the operator platform in the operating
position, place the steering control levers in the
neutral position, engage the parking brake, move the
PTO switch to the OFF (down) position, and start the
engine. With the engine running, engage the PTO
switch to the ON (up) position, and step backwards
off of the operating platform. The engine should shut
off.
4. Stand on the operator platform in the operating
position, place the steering control levers in the
neutral position, engage the parking brake, move the
PTO switch to the OFF (down) position, and start the
engine. With the engine running, release the parking
brake, and step backwards off of the operating
platform. The engine should shut off.
2.5 OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Know the function of all controls and how to stop
quickly.
WARNING
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Under no
circumstances should the machine be operated
on slopes greater than 15 degrees. See Figure 2-4,
Page 9 to determine approximate slope of area to
be blown. ALWAYS FOLLOW OSHA APPROVED
OPERATION.
2. Reduce speed and exercise extreme caution on
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or loss
of control. Be especially cautious when changing
directions on slopes.
3. Stay two machine widths away from slopes, drop
offs, ditches, water, retaining walls avoid any slope
exceeding 15-degrees.
4. To prevent tipping or loss of control, start and stop
smoothly, avoid unnecessary turns, and travel at
reduced speed.
5. Immediately apply the parking brake if you lose
steering control while operating. Inspect the machine
and correct the problem before continuing to operate.
6. When using the machine, never direct the blown
material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
7. Start the engine with the operator in the operating
position, the blower fan disengaged, the parking
brake engaged, and the neutral levers in the neutral
position.
8. If the blower intake ever plugs, shut off the engine,
remove the ignition key, and wait for all movement to
stop before removing the obstruction.
WARNING
DO NOT use your hand to dislodge the clogged
material. Use a stick or other device to remove
clogged material after the engine has stopped
running and the blower fan has stopped turning.
9. Be alert for holes, rocks, roots, and other hidden
hazards in the terrain. Keep away from any drop offs.
Beware of overhead obstructions (low limbs, etc.)
and underground obstacles (sprinklers, pipes, tree
roots, etc.). Cautiously enter a new area. Be alert for
hidden hazards.
10. Disengage power to blower fan before backing up.
Do not blow material in reverse unless absolutely
necessary; and then, only after observation of the
entire area behind the blower. If you must blow
material in reverse, maintain a constant lookout to
the rear of the machine and blow slowly.
11. DO NOT turn sharply. Use care when backing up.
12. DO NOT direct the discharge nozzle toward
bystanders, buildings, or any area that may cause
harm to yourself or others.
13. Always be alert of the direction of the debris, make
sure it will not be blown in a direction that may harm
an individual or cause property damage.
14. DO NOT blow into tight spaces, this may cause
debris to be blown off objects/walls and back at the
operator.
15. Only use in daylight or good artificial light.
16. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
machine unattended, such as disengaging the
blower fan, stopping the engine, and removing the
key.
17. Disengage power to the attachments when
transporting or when not in use.