- 5 -
• See inside the back cover t o det er mine the approximate slope ang le of the area
to be mowed.
• Progre ssively great er car e is needed as the slope increases.
• Always avoid sudden starting or st opping on a slope. If tires lose t r act ion,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly off t he slope.
• Be aware that loss of t raction may occur going downhill. Weig ht transfer to t he
fr ont wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking and
steering .
• Wat ch for dit ches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change t he oper ating angle,
as rough t er r ain could overt ur n the machine.
• Remove or mark obst acles such as r ocks, tr ee lim bs, etc. f r om t he mowing area.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use extreme care with grass catc her s or at tachments. T hese can change the
stability of the machine and cause loss of cont rol.
1.4.5 Use EXTREME caution when backing up. LOOK BEHIND YO U!!
1.4.6 Stop the blades when crossing surfaces other t han grass, if mower must be tilted
for t r anspor tation, and when transporting the mower to and f rom the area t o be
mowed.
1.4.7 Never operate the mower with defective guards, shields, or covers. Always have
safet y shields, guards, switches, and other devices in place and in proper work ing
condition.
1.4.8 Do Not change t he engine governor set t ings or over-speed the eng ine. Operating
an engine at excessive speed may increase the hazard of personal injury.
1.4.9 Place transmission in neut r al, disengage PT O and engage park brake befor e
starting engine.
1.4.10 Start the engine carefully with feet well away from blades.
1.4.11 Keep hands, f eet , and clothing away from r otating par t s while the mower is being
operated.
1.4.12 Stop the eng ine, wait for all moving par ts to stop, and r em ove spark plug wire(s) or
ignition key:
• Befor e checking, cleaning, or working on the mower.
• Aft er st riking a foreig n obj ect (inspect the mower for damag e and m ake
repairs before restar ting and operating the mower).
• Befor e clear ing blockages.
• Whenever you leave the mower.
1.4.13 Stop the eng ine and wait for all moving par t s to stop:
• Before r emoving the grass cat cher.
• Before refueling.
• Befor e m aking height adjustments.
1.4.14 Befor e st opping the engine, place the throt tle control midway between the “slow”
and “f ast ” positions. Allow the engine to r un a m inim um of 15 seconds; t hen st op
the engine.
1.4.15 The fuel system is provided with a shut-off valve. The fuel shut-off valve is used to
shut of f the fuel when:
• The machine will not be used for a few days.
• During t ransport to and from t he job.
• When parking inside a building.
1.4.16 This mower was designed f or one oper ator only. Keep all others away from m ower
during oper at ion.