Safety
DANGER
Operating on wet grass or steep slopes can cause sliding and loss of control. Wheels dropping over edges, ditches, steep banks, or water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death or drowning.
•Do Not mow slopes when grass is wet.
•Do Not mow near
•Do Not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
•Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
•Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
•See inside the back cover to determine the approximate slope angle of the area to be mowed.
•Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near
| Figure 3 |
1. Water | 3. Safe |
| mower here on slopes |
| less than 15 degrees |
2.Danger
•Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips and rises that change the operating angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.
•Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because the mower may tip backwards.
•Be aware that loss of traction may occur going downhill. Weight transfer to the front wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking and steering.
•Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counter weights to improve stability.
•Use extreme care with grass catchers or attachments. These can change the stability of the machine and cause loss of control.
Maintenance and Storage
•Disengage drives, lower implement, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.
•Keep engine, engine area, and pump drive belt compartment free from accumulation of grass, leaves, excessive grease or oil, and other debris which can accumulate in these areas. These materials can become combustible and may result in a fire.
•Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame or any enclosed area where open pilot lights or heat appliances are present.
•Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do Not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.
•Use jack stands to support components when required.
•Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.
•Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and negative last.
•Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing
8