SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area isclearof ether people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
•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 guard in place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading er unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is net alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
•Keepchildren out ofthe mowing area andunderthe watchful care of another responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind and clown for small children.
•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•Use extra care in handling gasoline and other luels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
•Never run a machine inside a closed area.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to
DO:
•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 machine. Taft 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.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, light and keep equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
•Grasscatchercomponents are subjectto wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec- essary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight dawn the slope.
DO NOT:
safety | precautions. | It means |
CAUTIONHI BECOME ALERT!I! YOUR Look for this symbol to point out importanJ
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
Do notuse grass catcher on steep slopes.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
& WARNING &
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc- tive harm.