DANGER
POTENTIAL HAZARD
♦Mowing on wet grass or steep slopes can cause sliding and loss of control.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
♦Loss of control and/or loss of operator’s footing could result in a fall with an arm or leg getting under the mower or engine deck, which may result in serious injury or death.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
♦Mow across slopes, never up and down.
♦Do not mow slopes when grass is wet.
♦Do not mow near
♦Do not mow slopes greater than 20 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.
∙Progressively greater care is needed as the slope increases.
∙Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly off the slope.
∙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.
∙Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change the operating angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.
∙Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
∙Use extreme care with grass catchers or attachments. These can change the stability of the machine and cause loss of control.
1.4.5Use EXTREME caution when backing up. LOOK BEHIND YOU!!
1.4.6Stop the blades when crossing surfaces other than grass, if mower must be tilted for transportation, and when transporting the mower to and from the area to be mowed.
1.4.7Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields, or covers. Always have safety shields, guards, switches, and other devices in place and in proper working condition.
1.4.8Do Not change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine. Operating an engine at excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
1.4.9Place speed control lever in neutral, lock drive levers in neutral, disengage PTO, and engage park brake before starting engine.
1.4.10Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.
1.4.11Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts while the mower is being operated.
1.4.12Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove plug wire(s) or key:
∙Before checking, cleaning or working on the mower.
∙After striking a foreign object (inspect the mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the mower).
∙Before clearing blockages.
∙Whenever you leave the mower.
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