Dixon 5501 manual Safety, Riding Lawnmowers, If Improperly Operated, Can Cause Serious Injury

SAFETY

RIDING LAWNMOWERS, IF IMPROPERLY OPERATED,

CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY

The following examples are the most common causes of injury to the

operator or bystander...

1 . BLADE CONTACT:

2.RUN-OVER:

3.TIP-OVER:

The operator or bystander inserts a hand or foot into the discharge chute or under the mower deck and into the path of the cutting blade. Never run the mower blades when there are people nearby. Always turn the engine off when cleaning or working around the mower deck.

This situation occurs when a bystander is run-over or backed over by the mower. The most frequently cited examples are with small children who wander into, or are allowed to play in an area where the mower is being operated. Never run the mower blades when there are people nearby, especially children. Young children should be indoors and watched by an adult. Always look behind you before backing up.

This occurs when the mower tips over, usually sideways or to the rear. This situation is due to operation of the mower on steep inclines or near a drop-off. Mow across the slope to slightly uphill. Mow slopes when the grass is dry and watch for bumps, holes and other obstacles. Test the slope with the blades off. A good rule of thumb is "Don't mow on a slope you can't back up". Stay clear of drop-offs, especially if they are on the down side of a slope.

4.THROWN OBJECTS: The fast spinning mower deck blade can strike stones or other objects which can be hurled into the path of a bystander. To prevent this from happening, never remove the safety discharge chute from the mower deck, or operate the mower when other people are around.

5.	FIRES:	Most accidents of this type occur during re-fueling of the mower or
		placing the mower in a storage situation. The exhaust system and
		related engine components operate at very high temperatures which
		can ignite any fuel spilled on or near them. Always allow the mower to
		cool before re-fueling or placing in storage.
6.	OPERATION BY	This mower is not a toy or a recreational vehicle. Never allow children
CHILDREN:		to operate the mower in any manner or to ride as a passenger.

NOTE: The six examples are the most frequently cited injury causing situations. Please review all the safety precautions outlined on the following pages prior to operation of the mower. Our aim is to enhance the safe and satisfactory use of this product.

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