GB
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers.
This cutting machine 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
1.Read, understand and follow all instructions in the Instruction Book, on the machine, the engine and with any attachments before starting.
2.Only allow responsible adults, who are famil- iar with the instructions, to operate the ma- chine.
3.Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
4.Be sure the area is clear of other people be- fore mowing. Stop the machine if anyone en- ters the area.
5.Never carry passengers.
6.Turn off power to the blades or any attach- ments before backing up. Do not mow in re- verse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while back- ing.
7.Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass bagger or the mower guard in place.
8.Slow down before turning.
9.Never leave a machine unattended with the engine running. Always turn off the blade(s), set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key before dismounting.
10.Turn off power to attachment(s) when trans- porting or not in use. Turn off the blade(s) when not mowing.
11.Stop the engine before removing the grass bagger or unclogging the chute.
12.Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
13.Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when very tired.
14.Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
15.Use extra caution when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
16.Turn off all attachment clutches before at- tempting to start the engine.
17.Always wear goggles, safety glasses, or an eye shield when you operate the unit to pro- tect your eyes from foreign objects that can be thrown from the unit. Always wear eye protection when you make an adjustment or repair to the machine.
18.Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a.Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b.Limit loads to those you can safely con- trol.
c.Do not turn sharply. Use care when back- ing.
d.Use counterweights or wheel weights when suggested in the Instruction Book.
19.Do not operate this machine if you are taking drugs or other medication which can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate this machine.
20.Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to operate this machine safely.
21.Data indicates that operators, age 60 years
and above, are involved in a large percent- age of riding mower related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to op- erate a riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
II. Slope operation
Slopes and rough terrain are major factors related to
DO
1.Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2.Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc...
3.Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven ter- rain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4.Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
5.Use slow speed on slopes. Do not make sudden speed changes.
6.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to im- prove stability.
7.Use extra care with grass baggers or other attachments, they can change the stability of the machine.
8.Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
9.Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, turn off the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT
1.Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely nec- essary, then only turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2.Do not mow
3.Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
4.Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
5.Do not use a grass bagger or other rear mounted accessories on steep slopes (great- er than 10 degrees).
III.Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Chil- dren are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
1.Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of another responsible adult.
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2.Be alert and turn the engine off if children enter the area.
3.Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.
4.Never carry children or any passengers, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe operation of the machine.
5.Never allow children to operate the machine. Instruct children in the potential dangers of the machine.
6.Use extra care when approaching blind cor- ners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. Service
1.Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. Fuels are flammable and the va- pors are explosive.
a.Use only an approved container.
b.Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before refueling. Do- not smoke.
c.Never refuel the machine indoors.
d.Never store the machine with fuel in the tank or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
2.Never start or run the engine inside a closed area.
3.Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade attachment nuts tight. Frequently check the blade(s) for wear or damage such as cracks and nicks. A blade that is bent or damaged must be immediately replaced with an origi- nal equipment blade from an authorized ser- vice dealer. For safety, replace the blade every two years. Keep the equipment in good condition.
4.Never tamper with the safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
5.To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine free of grass, leaves or other debris
6.Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before re- starting.
7.Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. The carburetor can be ad- justed with the engine running. Do not change the engine governor settings or
8.Grass bagger components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For storage, always make sure the grass bag is empty. Frequently check com- ponents and replace with manufacturer’s rec- ommended parts when necessary.
9.Mower blade(s) are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them or the blade housing area.
10.Check the brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
11.Wait for all movement to stop before servic- ing any part of the unit.