Simplicity 1693264, 1693266 manual General Operation, Slope Operation, Do Not

Safety Rules

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of A unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mow- ina deck is capable of amoutatina hands and feet and throwina obiects. The triangle a in text signi-

fies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.

GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting.

•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit.

•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s).

•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- ing. Stop unit if anyone enters the area.

•Never carry passengers.

•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while trav- elling in reverse.

•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place.

•Slow down before turning.

•Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

•Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades when not mowing.

A WARNING - SLOPE OPERATION Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent (16.7”) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10 feet horizontally. When operating on slopes that are greater than 15 percent (6.5”) but less than 30 percent use front counterweights and rear wheel weights (see your dealer). Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope. In addition to front and rear weights, use extra caution when operating on slopes with rear- mounted grass catcher. Mow UP and DOWN the slope, never across the face, use caution when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.

Do

•See your authorized dealer for recommendations of wheel weights or counteweights to improve stability.

•Mow up and down slopes, not across.

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach- ments. These can change the stability of the unit.

•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

•Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

•Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit into a trailer or truck.

SLOPE OPERATION 1.

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe’ injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

Do Not

•Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

•Do notturn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank- ments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

•Do not by to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on the ground.

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.