General Service

Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

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 lock-open device.

If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

Never operate machine in a closed area.

Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condi- tion.

Never tamper with safety devices.

Be sure the area is clear of bystand- ers before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers.

Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.

Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a respon- sible adult other than the operator.

Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

Check their proper operation regularly. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before

storing.

If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if neces- sary, before restarting.

Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recom- mended parts, when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Check brake operation frequently. Ad- just and service as required.

Maintain or replace safety and instruc- tion labels, as necessary.

Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.

Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across.

Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, dis- engage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.

Do not turn on slopes unless neces- sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu- ally downhill, if possible.