SAFETY RU LES
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING iVIACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Reed,understand,andfollowallinstructionsinthemanual
and on the machine beforestarting.
• Only allow responsibleadults, who are familiar withthe
instructions,tooperate the machine.
• Clear the area ofobjects suchas rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
whichcould be picked up and thrown bythe blade.
• Besure the area isclear ofother people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Beaware ofthe mowerdischarge direction and do notpoint
itat anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grasscatcher or unclogging
chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road-
ways.
• Useextracarewhen loadingorunloadingthe machineinto
a trailer ortruck.
• Dataindicatesthatoperators, age60 yearsandabove,are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators shouldevaluate theirabilityto
operate the ridingmowersafely enough toprotectthem-
selvesand others from sedous injury.
• Keep mechinefree ofgrass, leavesorotherdebrisbuild-
upwhichcan touchhotexhaust / engine parts and bum.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
orotherdebdswhich can cause build-upto occur.Clean
any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storingthe
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto Ioss-of-contreland tipover
accidents,whichcanresultin severeinjuryor death. Allslopes
requireextracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeorifyoufeel
uneasyonit,do notmowit.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, notacross.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnthe machine. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
• Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so that youwillnot
have to stop or shiftwhileon the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendationsfor wheel
weightsor counterweightsto improvestability.
• Use extracare withgrass catchere or other attachments.
These can change the stabilityof the machine.
• KeepallmovementontheslopesslowandgraduaL Do
not make sudden changes inspeed or direction.
• Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope. Iftireslosetraction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown
the slope.
DO NOT"
• Do not tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, tum
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly tum over if awheel isoverthe
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
• Do not tryto stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
theground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Neverassume thatchildren
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and tum machine off if children enter the area.
• Before andwhen backing, leekbehind and downfor small
children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be sariously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extracare inhandUnggasalineand otherfuels. They
areflammable and vaporsare explosive.
- Use onlyan apprevedcontainer.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. AIIowenginetocool beforerefueling. Do not
smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and belts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, or other debris buUd-
up. Clean oil orfuel spillage. Allow machine tocool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Grass catcher components are subject towear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects tobe thrown. Frequently checkcomponents
and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrapthe blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
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