Safe Mowing Guide

Also, the grass bagger will function better when the engine is operating at maximum speed. On slopes, decrease the ground speed and use care making sure the mower feels safe to operate.

If the weather conditions are bad, do not mow. If weather conditions become bad, stop cutting and finish later. It is dangerous to cut grass in the rain. Always find protection in an electrical storm. If the weather conditions are extra dry, protect your eyes with safety glasses from the dust and from the objects discharged by the mower. Also, a dust or a pollen mask can help.

Your mower is equipped with a number of safety devices which are important to the safety of the operator and bystanders and must never be changed or removed from the mower. If a safety device is lost, damaged or no longer functions, repair or replace the device before you operate the mower.

It is best to mow during the day. If you must mow at night, make sure there is enough light for safe operation.

Your mower will require regular maintenance and service. The maintenance schedule depends on the hours of use. Also, mowing conditions can change the schedule. Check the Instruction Book for more information. Correct maintenance will help the mower function safely.

Do not service the mower (except for the carburetor adjustment) while the engine is

running. Before you service the unit, even with the engine stopped,

always disconnect the wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting.

If you hit a large object during operation, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug. Carefully inspect the mower for damage. Before you start the engine again, make the necessary repairs. If you

feel new or excessive vibration, immediately stop the engine and check for the problem. Vibration can be a warning of a problem. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight.

The blade is the most dangerous part of the mower. Frequently check the blade and the blade mounting fasteners. Keep the fasteners tight. If the blade hits a solid object, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug. Check for a blade that is bent, cracked or for other damages. Before you start the engine, replace a damaged blade(s). For safety, replace the blade every two years.

A sharp blade decreases the workload on the engine and more evenly cuts grass. Frequently sharpen the blade for a better looking cut. Use the left side of the mower housing to trim near an object.

A grass bagger is a good accessory for your mower. For best performance and safety, make sure the grass bagger is approved for use with your mower. Follow the assembly and operation instructions included with the grass bagger.

Some grass baggers require a special blade for best performance. Before you attach, check, or empty the grass bagger, always stop the engine. Before each use of the grass bagger, check for cracks, wear or deterioration. Before you use the grass bagger, replace a damaged part with a replacement part approved by the factory.

For you to have a good green lawn, follow the mowing procedures below. Do not cut the grass too short. If you cut the grass too short you can cause the grass to become yellow or make the lawn look brown. Use a lower height of cut in cool months when the grass is thicker. Raise the height of cut in hot dry periods. If you cut the grass with

a blade that is not sharp or at a slow engine speed you can damage the grass. Move the throttle control to the FAST position when mowing and using the grass bagger. Also, use a slower ground speed when using the grass bagger.

If you change the direction or pattern of cut slightly every time you mow will make the grass grow stronger and thicker. Do not add oil or gasoline to the mower while on the lawn. Spilled oil or gasoline can kill the grass. In high or thick grass, do not try to cut all the grass the first time. Raise the height of cut on the first cutting and lower the height for the next cutting. Another way is to cut only part of the width of the mower and decrease your ground speed (not the engine) to move more slowly so that the mower can discharge the grass as it moves forward.

Understand the controls and how they work. Learn the ground speed(s) of your mower. Check the stopping distance required at different travel speeds. Check the turning radius of the mower. The controls on your riding mower are different from an automobile. The throttle is operated by hand and holds the engine speed constant until it is changed. The location of the shift lever and the shift pattern is different from that of an automobile. Also, the brake and clutch systems are different. Remember the procedures to follow in an emergency. Remember, turning off the engine ignition switch will stop the blade and the drive mechanism. If the traction of the wheels is lost or does not feel safe, disengage all systems and stop the engine. Dismount from the mower. Push the unit to a safe place before you begin mowing again.

Your unit has an electrical system that includes an operator presence switch in the seat. The operator presence switch detects if the operator is sitting on the seat. The engine will stop if the operator leaves the seat when the blade engagement control is engaged. This operator presence switch is a safety device only. It must not regularly be used to stop the engine or the blade. There are other control systems on the mower for this purpose. Always keep the operator presence switch and other safety devices and controls in place and operating for your protection.

Remember, your mower is a tool that can be dangerous if it is not correctly used. Follow the instructions in this Instruction Book. Safe and careful use of the mower will give you many safe hours of problem free use.

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