CHILDREN
1.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. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
a.Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
b.Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
c.Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
d.Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
e.Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the machine.
f.To avoid
g.Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
h.Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.
2.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
TOWING
1.Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
2.Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3.Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4.Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may
5.Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
1.To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a.Use only an approved gasoline container.
b.Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
c.When practical, remove
d.Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
e.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
f.Never fuel machine indoors.
g.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
h.Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
i.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j.If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
k.To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
l.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
m.Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
GENERAL SERVICE:
1.Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.
2.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
5