•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 and wait for all moving parts to stop. Engage parking brake. Remove plug wire(s) or ignition 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.
1.4.13Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop:
•Before removing the grass catcher.
•Before refueling.
•Before making height adjustments.
1.4.14Before stopping the engine, place the throttle control midway between the “slow” and “fast” positions. Allow the engine to run a minimum of 15 seconds; then stop the engine.
1.4.15The fuel system is provided with a
•The machine will not be used for a few days.
•During transport to and from the job.
•When parking inside a building.
1.4.16This mower was designed for one operator only. Keep all others away from mower during operation.
1.4.17Do Not mow with the grass deflector raised, removed, or altered unless there is a grass collection system or mulch kit in place and working properly.
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