Safety Alert Symbol

Safety

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

Figure 2

1.Safety alert symbol

This manual uses two other words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

This machine meets or exceeds the safety specifications of the American National Standards Institute B71.1-2003 in effect at the time of production. However, improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety alert symbol, which means CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER-"personal safety instruction." Failure to comply with the instruction may result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from ANSI standard B71.1-2003.

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious injury or death.

General Operation

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the operator’s manual and on the machine before starting.

•Do Not place hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

•Allow only 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 is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the 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 up.

•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and Do Not point it at anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

•Do Not operate the mower without either the entire grass collection system or the discharge deflector in place.

•Be alert, slow down and use caution when making turns. Look behind and to the side before changing directions.

•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, engage parking brake, stop engine, and remove key before dismounting.

•Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop the engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, engage parking brake, and remove key before cleaning the machine, removing the grass or unclogging the deflector.

•Operate the machine 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 or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck

•Always wear eye protection when operating the mower.

•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower