Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.,
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
I° GENERAL OPERATION
oRead, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting
oOnly allow responsibie 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 mowlng Stop machine if anyone enters the area,
°Never carry passengers,
°Do not mow in reverse unless abselutety 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
o Turn off blades when not mowing,
,,Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute
"Mow only in daylight or good artificial light,
oDo not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
"Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways,
oUse extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck,
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to
require extra caution If you cannot back up the slope er if you feet uneasy en it, do not mow it.
DO:
°Mow up and down slopes, not across
. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc,
oWatch for holes, ruts, or bumps, Uneven terrain could overturn the machine,, Talf grass can hide obstacles
. Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you wil$ not have to stop or shift while on the slope,
"Foilow 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.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, If tires lose traction. disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope,
DO NOT:
oDo not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible,
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children, Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity Never assume that children will rema=n where you last saw them
oKeep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult,
°Be alert and turn machine elf if children enter the area
°Before and when backing, look behind and down 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,
oUse 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 fuels, They are ffammable 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 refuefing 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.,
°Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition
,,Never tamper with safety devices, Check their proper operation regularly
oKeep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting,.
oNever make adjustments or repairs with the engine running,
=Grass catchercomponents are subject to 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
oMower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.,
oCheck brake operation frequently, Adjust and service as required
.............................m o- r-
& Look for this symbol to point out i
tant safety precautions, it means !
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
nu
Do not mow near
mower couid suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in,,
oDo not mow on wet grass,. Reduced traction could cause sliding,
oDo not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
o Do not use 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.
