Safety Rules & Information

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.

This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

The triangle

in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.

GENERAL OPERATION

1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting.

2.Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

3.Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate this machine.

4.Clear the area of objects such as rocks,wire, toys, etc., which could be thrown by the blade. Stay behind the handle when the engine (motor) is running.

5.Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

6.Do not operate machine barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.

7.Do not pull machine backward unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward.

8.Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

9.Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working.

10.Never leave a running machine unattended.

11.Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.

12.Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.

13.Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

14.Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; walk; never run.

15.Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the engine (motor).

16.If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

17.Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

18.See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.

19Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

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

21.Always wear eye protection when operating this unit.

22.Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of power equipment-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the equipment safely enough to protect themselves and others from injury.

23.Keep in mind the operator is responsible for accidents occurring to other people or property.

24.All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical instruction.

25.Before using, always visually check that the blades and blade hardware are present, intact, and secure. Replace worn or damaged parts.

26.Disengage attachments before: refueling, removing an attachment, making adjustments (unless the adjustment can be made from the operator’s position).

27.Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, engage the parking brake (if equipped), disengage the blades (PTO), stop the engine, and remove the key.

28.To reduce fire hazard, keep the unit free of grass, leaves, & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass, or combustible materials.

29.It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

1.When transporting the unit on an open trailer, make sure it is facing forward, in the direction of travel. If the unit is facing backwards, wind lift could damage the unit.

2.Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.

3.Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace, water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion. Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.

4.Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage preparations before storing the unit for both short and long term periods.

5.Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.

6.Never store the unit or fuel container inside where there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.