This Operator's Manual is an integral part of the safe operation
of this machine and must be maintained with the unit at all times.
READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW the Safety and Operation
Instructions contained in this manual before operating the
equipment.
RHINO
1020 S. Sangamon Ave.
Gibson City , IL 60936
800-446-5158
Email: parts@servis-rhino.com
All implements with moving parts are potentially hazardous. There is no substitute for a cautious, safe-minded
operator who recognizes the potential hazards and follows reasonable safety practices. The manufacturer has
designed this implement to be used with all its safety equipment properly attached to minimize the chance of
accidents.
BEFORE YOU START!! Read the safety messages on the implement and shown in your manual.
Observe the rules of safety and common sense!
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Read and understand the complete Warranty Statement found in this Manual. Fill out the Warranty Registration Form
in full and return it within 30 Days. Make certain the Serial Number of the Machine is recorded on the Warranty Card
and on the Warranty Form that you retain. The use of "will-fit" parts will void your warranty and can cause catastrophic
failure with possible injury or death.
BE SAFE!
BE ALERT!
BE ALIVE!
BE TRAINED
before operating
the Mower!
Safety T raining
Makes the Difference
In order to reduce accidents and enhance the safe operation of mowers, Alamo Group Ag Division, in
cooperation with other industry manufacturers has developed the AEM/FEMA Industrial and Agricultural
Mower Safety Practices video and guide book.
The video will familiarize and instruct mower-tractor operators in safe practices when using industrial and
agricultural mowing equipment. It is important that Every Mower Operator be educated in the operation of
their mowing equipment and be able to recognize the potential hazards that can occur while operating a
mower . This video, along with the mower operator’ s manual and the warning messages on the mower, will
significantly assist in this important education.
Y our Authorized Alamo Ag Dealer may have shown this video and presented you a DVD V ideo when you
purchased your mower . If you or any mower operator have not seen this video, Watch the Video, Read
this Operator’ s Manual, and Complete the Video Guidebook before operating your new mower . If you
do not understand any of the instructions included in the video or operator’s manual or if you have any
questions concerning safety of operation, contact your supervisor, dealer or Alamo Group Ag.
If you would like a VHS video tape of the video, please email AEMVideo@alamo-group.com or Fax AEM
VHS V ideo at (830) 372-9529 or mail in a completed copy of the form on the back of this page to AEM
VHS V ideo 1502 E W alnut Street, Seguin, TX 78155. and request the VHS video version. Please include
your name, mailing address, mower model and serial number .
Every operator should be trained for each piece of equipment (Tractor and Mower), understand the intended
use, and the potential hazards before operating the equipment.
Alamo Group Ag. Division is willing to provide
one (1) AEM Mower Safety Practices Video
Please Send Me:VHS Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video
DVD Format – AEM/FEMA Mower Operator Safety Video
Mower Operator’s Manual
AEM Mower Operator’s Safety Manual
Requester Name:
RequesterAddress:
City
State
Zip Code
Mower Model:Serial Number:
Date Purchased:Dealer Salesperson:
Dealership Name:Dealership Location:
Phone:
Mail to:
Or Fax to:
Or Email to:
AEM V ideo Services
1502 E Walnut street
Seguin, TX 78155
Disassembly & Assembly of Gearbox ........................................................................................5-12
Servis Rhino® is a registered trademark of Alamo Group Inc.
SAFETY
SECTION
Safety Section 1-1
SAFETY
A safe and careful operator is the best operator. Safety is of primary importance to the
manufacturer and should be to the owner/operator. Most accidents can be avoided by being
aware of your equipment, your surroundings, and observing certain precautions. The first
section of this manual includes a list of Safety Messages that, if followed, will help protect the
operator and bystanders from injury or death. Read and understand these Safety Messages
before assembling, operating or servicing this mower. This equipment should only be operated by those persons who have read the Manual, who are responsible and trained, and who
know how to do so safely and responsibly.
SAFETY
The Safety Alert Symbol combined with a Signal Word, as seen below, is used throughout this
manual and on decals which are attached to the equipment. The Safety Alert Symbol means:
“ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!” The Symbol and Signal
Word are intended to warn the owner/operator of impending hazards and the degree of
possible injury faced when operating this equipment..
Practice all usual and customary safe working precautions and
above all---remember safety is up to YOU. Only YOU can prevent
serious injury or death from unsafe practices.
CAUTION!The lowest level of Safety Message; warns of possible injury. Decals
located on the Equipment with this Signal Word are Black and Yellow.
WARNING!Serious injury or possible death! Decals are Black and Orange.
DANGER!Imminent death/critical injury. Decals are Red and White. (SG-1)
Messages. Serious injury or death may occur unless care is
taken to follow the warnings and instructions stated in the Safety
Messages. Always use good common sense to avoid hazards.
(SG-2)
SAFETY
PELIGRO!
DANGER!
WARNING!
WARNING!
Si no lee Ingles, pida ayuda a alguien que si lo lea
para que le traduzca las medidas de seguridad. (SG-3)
Never operate the Tractor or Implement until you have read and
completely understand this Manual, the Tractor Operator’s Manual,
and each of the Safety Messages found in the Manual or on the
Tractor and Implement. Learn how to stop the tractor engine
suddenly in an emergency. Never allow inexperienced or untrained
personnel too operate the Tractor and Implement without supervision.
Make sure the operator has fully read and understood the manuals
prior to operation.(SG-4)
Always maintain the safety decals in good readable condition. If the
decals are missing, damaged, or unreadable, obtain and install replacement decals immediately.(SG-5)
Make certain that the “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) sign is installed in
such a way as to be clearly visible and legible. When transporting the
Equipment use the Tractor flashing warning lights and follow all local
traffic regulations. (SG-6)
¡LEA EL
INSTRUCTIVO!
WARNING!Operate this Equipment only with a Tractor equipped with an approved
roll-over-protective system (ROPS). Always wear seat belts. Serious
injury or even death could result from falling off the tractor--particularly
during a turnover when the operator could be pinned under the
ROPS. (SG-7)
Do not modify or alter this Implement. Do not permit anyone to modify or alter this Implement,
any of its components or any Implement function. (SG-8)
BEFORE leaving the tractor seat, always engage the brake and/or set
the tractor transmission in parking gear, disengage the PTO, stop the
engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. Place the
tractor shift lever into a low range or parking gear to prevent the tractor
from rolling. Never dismount a Tractor that is moving or while the engine
is running. Operate the Tractor controls from the tractor seat only.
(SG-9)
Safety Section 1-3
SAFETY
DANGER!
DANGER!
SAFETY
WARNING!
DANGER!
Never allow children or other persons to ride on the Tractor or Implement.
Falling off can result in serious injury or death. (SG-10)
Never allow children to operate or ride on the Tractor or Implement.
(SGM-11)
Do not mount the Tractor while the tractor is moving. Mount the
Tractor only when the Tractor and all moving parts are completely
stopped. (SG-12)
Start tractor only when properly seated in the Tractor seat. Starting a
tractor in gear can result in injury or death. Read the Tractor operators
manual for proper starting instructions.(SG-13)
Never work under the Implement, the framework, or any lifted
component unless the Implement is securely supported or blocked
up to prevent sudden or inadvertent falling which could cause
serious injury or even death. (SG-14)
Do not operate this Equipment with hydraulic oil leaking. Oil is
expensive and its presence could present a hazard. Do not check for
leaks with your hand! Use a piece of heavy paper or cardboard.
High-pressure oil streams from breaks in the line could penetrate the
skin and cause tissue damage including gangrene. If oil does
penetrate the skin, have the injury treated immediately by a physician knowledgeable and skilled in this procedure. (SG-15)
Safety Section 1-4
SAFETY
WARNING!The operator and all support personnel should wear hard hats,
safety shoes, safety glasses, and proper hearing protection at all
times for protection from injury including injury from items thrown by
the equipment.(SG-16)
SAFETY
CAUTION!
WARNING!
SR15 10/01
PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD NOISE MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS! Tractors with or without an Imple-
ment attached can often be noisy enough to cause permanent
hearing loss. We recommend that you always wear hearing protection if the noise in the Operator’s position exceeds 80db. Noise
over 85db over an extended period of time will cause severe
hearing loss. Noise over 90db adjacent to the Operator over an
extended period of time will cause permanent or total hearing loss.
Note: Hearing loss from loud noise [from tractors, chain saws,
radios, and other such sources close to the ear] is cumulative over
a lifetime without hope of natural recovery.(SG-I7)
Transport only at safe speeds. Serious accidents and injuries can
result from operating this equipment at unsafe speeds. Understand
the Tractor and Implement and how it handles before transporting on
streets and highways. Make sure the Tractor steering and brakes are
in good condition and operate properly.
Before transporting the Tractor and Implement, determine the safe
transport speeds for you and the equipment. Make sure you
abide by the following rules:
1. Test the tractor at a slow speed and increase the speed slowly.
Apply the Brakes smoothly to determine the stopping
characteristics of the Tractor and Implement.
As you increase the speed of the Tractor the stopping distance
increases. Determine the maximum safe transport speed for
you and this Equipment.
2. Test the equipment at a slow speed in turns. Increase the speed
through the turn only after you determine that it is safe to operate
at a higher speed. Use extreme care and reduce your speed when
turning sharply to prevent the tractor and implement from turning
over. Determine the maximum safe turning speed for you and this
equipment before operating on roads or uneven ground.
3. Only transport the Tractor and Implement at the speeds that you
have determined are safe and which allow you to properly control the
equipment.
Be aware of the operating conditions. Do not operate the Tractor with
weak or faulty brakes. When operating down a hill or on wet or rain
slick roads, the braking distance increases: use extreme care and
reduce your speed. When operating in traffic always use the Tractor’s
flashing warning lights and reduce your speed. Be aware of traffic
around you andwatch out for the other guy. (SG-19)
WARNING!Periodically inspect all moving parts for wear and replace when
SAFETY
WARNING!
Never attempt to lubricate, adjust, or remove material from the Implement while it is in motion
or while tractor engine is running. Make sure the tractor engine is off before working on the
Implement! (SG-20)
necessary with authorized service parts. Look for loose fasteners,
worn or broken parts, and leaky or loose fittings. Make sure all pins
have cotter pins and washers. Serious injury may occur from not
maintaining this machine in good working order. (SG-21)
Always read carefully and comply fully with the manufacturers
instructions when handling oil, solvents, cleansers, and any other
chemical agent. (SG-22)
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
WARNING!
Never run the tractor engine in a closed building or without adequate ventilation. The
exhaust fumes can be hazardous to your health.(SG-23)
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING ELEMENTS to prevent entanglement
and possible serious injury or death. (SG-24)
Never allow children to play on or around Tractor or Implement. Children can slip or fall off the
Equipment and be injured or killed. Children can cause the Implement to shift or fall crushing
themselves or others. (SG-25)
Do not exceed the rated PTO speed for the Implement. Excessive PTO
speeds can cause Implement driveline or blade failures resulting in
serious injury or death. (SG-26)
DANGER!Operate the Tractor and/or Implement controls only while properly
WARNING!
NEVER use drugs or alcohol immediately before or while operating
the Tractor and Implement. Drugs and alcohol will affect an operator’s
alertness and coordination and therefore affect the operator’s ability to
operate the equipment safely. Before operating the Tractor or
Implement, an operator on prescription or over-the-counter
medication must consult a medical professional regarding any side
effects of the medication that would hinder their ability to operate
the Equipment safely. NEVER knowingly allow anyone to operate
this equipment when their alertness or coordination is impaired.
Serious injury or death to the operator or others could result if the
operator is under the influnce of drugs or alcohol. (SG-27)
seated in the Tractor seat with the seat belt securely fastened around
you. Inadvertent movement of the Tractor or Implement may cause
serious injury or death.
Mow only in conditions where you have clear visibility in daylight or with
adequate artificial lighting. Never mow in darkness or foggy conditions
where you cannot clearly see at least 100 yards in front and to the sides of
the tractor and mower. Make sure that you can clearly see and identify
passersby, steep slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, power
lines, debris and foreign objects. If you are unable to clearly see this type
of items discontinue mowing.(SGM-1)
(SG-29)
SAFETY
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
SR15 10/01
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of
this Mower. REMEMBER! This machine is often operated in heavy
brush and in heavy weeds. The Blades of this Mower can throw
objects if shields are not properly installed and maintained. Serious
injury or even death may occur unless care is taken to insure the
safety of the operator, bystanders, or passersby in the area. Do not
operate this machine with anyone in the immediate area. Stop
mowing if anyone is within 100 yards of mower. (SGM-2)
All Safety Shields, Guards and Safety devices including (but not limited to) - the Deflectors, Chain Guards,
Steel Guards, Gearbox Shields, PTO integral shields ,
and Retractable Door Shields should be used and
maintained in good working condition. All safety devices should be inspected carefully at least daily for
missing or broken components. Missing, broken, or
worn items must be replaced at once to reduce the
possibility of injury or death from thrown objects, entanglement, or blade contact. (SGM-3)
The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for
rugged use. However, the blades could fail upon impact with heavy,
solid objects such as metal guard rails and concrete structures.
Such impact could cause the broken objects to be thrown outward
at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage, serious injury, or even death, never allow the cutting blades to
contact such obstacles. (SGM-4)
Extreme care should be taken when operating near loose objects
such as gravel, rocks, wire, and other debris. Inspect the area before
mowing. Foreign objects should be removed from the site to prevent
machine damage and/or bodily injury or even death. Any objects
that cannot be removed must be clearly marked and carefully
avoided by the operator. Stop mowing immediately if blades strike
a foreign object. Repair all damage and make certain rotor or blade
carrier is balanced before resuming mowing.
Many varied objects, such as wire, cable, rope, or chains, can become
entangled in the operating parts of the mower head. These items could
then swing outside the housing at greater velocities than the blades.
Such a situation is extremely hazardous and could result in serious
injury or even death. Inspect the cutting area for such objects before
mowing. Remove any like object from the site. Never allow the cutting
blades to contact such items. (SGM-6)
Mow at the speed that you can safely operate and control the tractor and
mower. Safe mowing speed depends on terrain condition and grass
type, density, and height of cut. Normal ground speed range is from 0
to 5 mph. Use slow mowing speeds when operating on or near steep
slopes, ditches, drop-offs, overhead obstructions, power lines, or when
debris and foreign objects are to be avoided. (SGM-7)
Avoid mowing in reverse direction when possible. Check to make sure
there are no persons behind the mower and use extreme care when
mowing in reverse. Mow only at a slow ground speed where you can
safely operate and control the tractor and mower. Never mow an area
that you have not inspected and removed debris or foreign material. (SGM-
8)
Do not put hands or feet under mower decks. Blade Contact can result
serious injury or even death. Stay away until all motion has stopped
and the decks are securely blocked up. (SGM-9)
Replace bent or broken blade with new blades. NEVER ATTEMPT
TO STRAIGHTEN OR WELD ON BLADES SINCE THIS WILL
LIKELY CRACK OR OTHERWISE DAMAGE THE BLADE WITH
SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY FROM
THROWN BLADES. (SGM-10)
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors
with the windows closed. (SGM-11)
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of equipment and grass fires
while operating, servicing, and repairing the Mower and Tractor:
-Equip the Tractor with a fire extinguisher in an accesible location.
-Do Not operate the Mower on a Tractor with an underframe exhaust.
-Do Not smoke or have an open flame near the Mower and Tractor .
-Do Not drive into burning debris or freshly burnt areas.
-Ensure slip clutches are properly adjusted to prevent excessive slippage
and plate heating.
-Never allow clippings or debris to collect near drivelines, slip clutches,
and gearboxes. Periodically shut down the Tractor and Mower and clean
clippings and collected debris from the mower deck. (SGM-12)
Safety Section 1-8
SAFETY
WARNING!
DANGER!
Avoid mowing in the reverse direction when possible. Check to
make sure there are no persons behind the mower and use extreme
care when mowing in reverse. Mow only at a slow ground speed
where you can safely operate and control the Tractor and Mower.
Never mow an area in the reverse direction that you have not
inspected and removed debris or foreign material. (SGM-13)
Rotary Mowers are capable under adverse conditions
of throwing objects for great distances (100 yards
or more) and causing serious injury or death. Follow
safety messages carefully
STOP MOWING IF PASSERSBY ARE WITHIN 100 YARDS UNLESS:
-Front and Rear Deflectors, Chain Guards, or Bands are installed
and in good, workable condition;
-Mower sections or Wings are running close to and parallel to the
ground without exposed Blades;
-Passerby are outside the existing thrown-object zone;
-All areas have been thoroughly inspected and all foreign material
such as rocks, cans, glass, and general debris has been removed.
NOTE: Where there are grass and weeds high enough to hide
debris that could be struck by the blades, the area should be:
inspected and large debris removed, mowed at an intermediate
height, inspected, closely with any remaining debris being removed,
and mowed again at desired final height. (This will also reduce
power requiredto mow, reduce wear and tear on the Mower drivetrain,
spread cut material better, eliminate streaking, and make the final
cut more uniform.)
DANGER!Always disconnect the main PTO Driveline from the Tractor before
performing service on the Mower. Never work on the Mower with the
tractor PTO driveline connected and running. Blades or Drivelines
could turn without warning and cause immediate entanglement, injury
or death. (SRM-3)
Do not turn so sharp or lift mower so high to produce a severe
"knocking" of the Driveline which will cause accelerated wear and
breakage of drive train components and could result inpossible injury
from the separated Driveline sections. (SRM-4)
Do not let the Blades turn when the Mower Deck is raised for
any reason, including clearance or for turning. Raising the
Mower deck exposes the Cutting Blades which creates a
potentially serious hazard and could cause serious injury or
even death from objects thrown from the Blades. (SRM-7)
Never leave Tractor and Implemented unattended while the implement
is in the lifted position. Accidental operation of lifting lever or a hydraulic
failure may cause sudden drop of unit with injury or death by crushing.
To properly park the implement when disconnecting it from the tractor,
lower the stand and put the retaining pin securely in place, or put a
secure support under the A-Frame. Lower the implement carefully to the
ground. Do not put hands or feet under lifted components. (S3PT-1)
Safety Section 1-9
SAFETY
WARNING!
CAUTION!
DANGER!
SAFETY
DANGER!
WARNING!
Use extreme care when lowering or unfolding the implement’s wings.
Make sure no bystanders are close by or underneath the wings. Allow
ample clearance around the implement when folding or unfolding the
wings. Use extreme caution around buildings or overhead power lines.
(S3PT-5)
To prevent tipping of implement when stored in folded position, use
carrying wheels or adequate stands on center frame. (S3PT-6)
There are obvious and hidden potential hazards in the operation of
this Implement as in all power-driven or pulled equipment.
REMEMBER! This machine is often operated in rough terrain conditions
that include tall grass, weeds, gullies, holes, slopes, hidden obstructions
and the like. Serious injury or even death may occur unless care is taken
to assure the safety of the operator and bystanders in the area. Do not
operate this machine with anyone in the immediate area. (S3PT-7)
Make sure the PTO shield, integral driveline shields, and input shields
are is installed when using PTO-driven equipment. Always replace
any shield if it is damaged or missing.
Relieve hydraulic pressure prior to doing any maintenance or repair
work on the Implement. Place the Implement on the ground or securely
blocked up, disengage the PTO, and turn off the tractor engine. Push
and pull the Remote Cylinder lever in and out several times prior to
starting any maintenance or repair work. (S3PT-9)
(S3PT-8)
WARNING!
DANGER!
DANGER!
DANGER!
The rotating parts of this machine continue to rotate even after the PTO
has been turned off. The operator should remain in his seat for 60
seconds after the brake has been set, the PTO disengaged, the tractor
turned off, and all evidence of rotation has ceased. (3PT-10)
“Wait a minute...Save a life!”
Be particularly careful when transporting the Implement using the
tractor. Turn curves or go up or down hills only at a low speed and at a
gradual steering angle. Make certain that at least 20% of the tractor’s
weight is on the front wheels to maintain safe steerage. Slow down on
rough or uneven surfaces.(STI-1)
When the Wings are folded for transport, the center of gravity is raised
and the possibility of overturn is increased. Drive slowly and use
extremecaution when turning on hillsides. Overturning the Implement
could cause the Implement to overturn the Tractor and vice versa
resulting in serious injury or even death. Never fold wings on a
hillside...the Implement may overturn. (STI-2)
DO NOT allow any person under a folded wing unless wing is securely
locked up or supported. DO NOT approach the Implement unless the
Tractor is turned off and all motion has ceased. Never work under the
frame work, or any lifted component unless the implement is securely
supported or blocked up. A sudden or inadvertent fall by any of these
components could cause serious injury or even death. (STI-3)
Never unhitch without using the Tongue Jack. The Tongue is
very heavy. Attempting to lift the Tongue without using the Tongue
Jack could cause strains or other injury. Allowing the tongue to
fall suddenly and unexpectedly could result in crushing injury.
Use the Tongue Jack for lifting the mower only. Overloading the
Tongue Jack can cause failure with possible serious bodily injury
or even death. (STI-4)
On a fully-assembled unit, do not remove the Wing Retaining Strap
until hoses are attached to the tractor and the Wing Cylinders are
filled with oil. Lower the Wings slowly and carefully. Keep bystanders away during operations.
Only tow the Implement behind a properly sized and equipped Tractor which exceeds the weight
of the Implement by at least 20%. DO NOT tow the Implement behind a truck or other type of
vehicle. Never tow the Implement and another Implement connected in tandem. Never tow the
Implement at speeds over 20 MPH. (STI-6)
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of equipment and grass fires
while operating, servicing, and repairing the Mower and T ractor:
-Equip the Tractor with a fire extinguisher in an accesible location.
-Do Not operate the Mower on a Tractor with an underframe exhaust.
-Do Not smoke or have an open flame near the Mower and T ractor .
-Do Not drive into burning debris or freshly burnt areas.
-Ensure slip clutches are properly adjusted to prevent excessive slippage
and plate heating.
-Never allow clippings or debris to collect near drivelines, slip clutches,
and gearboxes. Periodically shut down the Tractor and Mower and clean
clippings and collected debris from the mower deck. (SGM-12)
Do not mow with two machines in the same area except with Cab tractors with the windows closed.
(SGM-11)
Replace bent or broken blade with new blades. NEVER ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN OR WELD
ON BLADES SINCE THIS WILL LIKELY CRACK OR OTHERWISE DAMAGE THE BLADE
WITH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY FROM THROWN BLADES.
(SGM-10)
Safety Section 1-11
SAFETY
PARTS INFORMATION
Servis-Rhino mowers use balanced and matched system components for blade carriers, blades, cuttershafts,
knives, knife hangers, rollers, drivetrain components, and bearings. These parts are made and tested to
Servis-Rhino specifications. Non-genuine "will fit" parts do not consistently meet these specifications. The
use of “will fit” parts may reduce mower performance, void mower warranties, and present a safety hazard.
Use genuine Servis-Rhino mower parts for economy and safety.
SAFETY
SEE YOUR SERVIS-RHINO DEALER
In addition to the design and configuration of this Implement, including Safety Signs and Safety Equipment,
hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper
training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of the machine. Refer also
to Safety Messages and operation instruction in each of the appropriate sections of the Tractor and Equipment
Manuals. Pay close attention to the Safety Signs affixed to the Tractor and Equipment. (SG-18)
This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of federal laws and regulations concerning
employer and employee equipment operators. This section is not intended as a legal interpretation of the law
and should not be considered as such.
Employer-Employee Operator Regulations
U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA
This Act Seeks:
SAFETY
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful
working conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free
from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules,
regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions
and conduct.
OSHA Regulations
OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter,
the employer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment
with which the employee is, or will be involved.”
Employer Responsibilities:
To ensure employee safety during Tractor and Implement operation, it is the employer’s responsibility to:
1. Train the employee in the proper and safe operation of the Tractor and Implement.
2. Require that the employee read and fully understand the Tractor and Implement Operator’s manual.
3. Permit only qualified and properly trained employees to operate the Tractor and Implement.
4. Maintain the Tractor and Implement in a safe operational condition and maintain all shields and guards on
the equipment.
5. Ensure the Tractor is equipped with a functional ROPS and seat belt and require that the employee operator
securely fasten the safety belt and operate with the ROPS in the raised position at all times.
6. Forbid the employee operator to carry additional riders on the Tractor or Implement.
7. Provide the required tools to maintain the Tractor and Implement in a good safe working condition and
provide the necessary support devices to secure the equipment safely while performing repairs and service.
8. Require that the employee operator stop mowing if bystanders or passerbys come within 100 yards.
Child Labor Under 16 Years of Age
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your responsibility
to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment
Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)