SAFETY
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This 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.
GENERAL
1.Read this Operator’s Manual completely before starting the mower. Study the controls and learn the proper sequence of operation. Retain Operator’s Manual in a safe place for future reference.
IMPORTANT: If the operator cannot read English or Spanish, the owner is responsible for explaining the information in this manual.
2.Do not allow anyone to operate or maintain this machine who has not read the manual. Never permit children under the age of 16 to operate this machine.
3.Always have your feet and hands clear of the cutter deck when starting the engine.
4.Do not remove any shields, guards, decals or safety devices. If a shield, guard, decal or safety device is damaged or does not function, repair or replace it before operating the mower.
5.Always wear safety glasses, long pants and safety shoes when operating or maintaining this mower. Do not wear
6.Never run the engine indoors without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
7.To avoid serious burns, do not touch the engine or muffler while the engine is running or until it has cooled for at least 30 minutes after it has been shut off.
8.Do not allow anyone to ride on this mower. No passengers.
9.Do not operate this mower under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.
10.Do not operate or store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.
11.The owner is responsible for training the users, and is responsible for accidents or injuries occuring to themselves or others.
OPERATION
WARNING: Never mow in fifth gear (transport speed).
1.Keep adults, children and pets away from the area to be mowed. (75 feet reccommended)
2.Never use this mower without the discharge chute installed and set in the down position (except when material collection system is used.)
3.Mow only in daylight or proper artificial light.
4.Always remove debris and other objects from the area to be mowed.
5.Watch for holes, sprinkler heads and other hidden hazards.
6.Reduce speed when making sharp turns.
7.Always have proper footing on slopes and hill sides and never operate when conditions are slippery.
8.Always keep both hands on the handles when mowing. Always walk, never run.
9.Never engage the blade clutch when the engine is running unless you are on grass that you intend to mow.
10.Be careful when crossing gravel paths or road- ways. Always disengage the blade clutch and wait until the blades stop rotating.
11.Never leave the mower unattended without disengaging the blade clutch, shifting the transmission into neutral, placing the neutral latch levers in the neutral lock position, shutting off the engine, removing the key from the ignition switch and closing the fuel shutoff valve.
12.Always park the mower and start the engine on a level surface with the transmission in neutral, the blade clutch disengaged and the neutral latch levers in the neutral lock position.
13.Shut off the engine and wait for the blades to stop rotating before removing the grass catcher.
14.If you hit a solid object while mowing, disengage the blade clutch, shift the transmission into neutral, place the neutral latch levers in the neutral lock position and stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and inspect for damage. Repair any damage and make sure the
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