SAFETY
•Drive across a hill - not up and down. If necessary, turn slowly and in the downhill direction. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
•Avoid starting and stopping on a slope. If machine stops, disengage mower blades and back down slowly.
•Do not drive where machine could slip or tip.
•Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the terrain.
•Keep away from
•Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate on a slope. On gear models, choose a low gear so that shifting and stopping will not be necessary while on the slope.
•Transport machine with decks lowered to improve stability.
•Drive machine very slowly and avoid quick stops when attachment is removed.
•Mowing when grass is wet can cause reduced traction and sliding.
Keep Riders Off
•Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.
•Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious injury.
•Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the machine being operated in an unsafe manner.
Checking Wheel Bolts
•A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel bolts are not tight.
•Check wheel bolt tightness often during the first 100 hours of operation.
•Wheel hardware must be tightened to specified torque using the proper procedure anytime it is loosened.
Driving Safely on Public Roads
Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a collision with another vehicle on public roads:
•Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving machines when driven on public roads are hard to see, especially at night.
•Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
•Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing warning lights and turn signals according to local regulations. Extra
flashing warning lights may need to be installed.
Practice Safe Maintenance
•Only qualified, trained adults should service this machine.
•Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep area clean and dry.
•Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is moving. Keep safety devices in place and in working condition. Keep hardware tight.
•Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting caught.
•Lower attachments to the ground before servicing machine. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock park brake and remove the key. Let machine cool.
•Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before making any repairs.
•Before servicing machine, carefully release pressure from components with stored energy such as hydraulic components.
•Keep all nuts and bolts tightened, especially blade attachment bolts.
•Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work. Lock service latches before working on machine with raised attachments.
•Never run engine unless park brake is locked.
•Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Replace all worn or damaged safety and instruction decals.
•To prevent fires, remove any buildup of grease, oil, or debris from the machine, especially the engine compartment.
•Charge batteries in an open,
•Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized modifications may impair its function and safety.
•Do not wear radio or music headphones while servicing the machine. Safe service requires your full attention.
Avoid High Pressure Fluids
•Hydraulic hoses and lines can fail due to physical damage, kinks, age, and exposure. Check hoses and lines regularly. Replace damaged hoses and lines.
•Hydraulic fluid connections can loosen due to physical
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