li. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or
other hidden objects. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
•Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. Ifthetires Iosetraction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over.
•Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the ma- chine. Do no use on steep slopes.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not mow near
embankments. The machine could sud- denly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in.
Iii. 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 remain where you last saw them.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
•Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
•Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed
over by the machine.
•Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
iV. TOWING
•Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
•Followthemanufacturer'srecommenda-
tion for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
•Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
•On slopes, the weight ofthetowed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
•Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property dam- age, use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
•Use only approved gasoline container.
•Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•Never fuel the machine indoors.
•Neverstorethe machine orfuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances.
•Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
4
