23.Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.

24.To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass or combustible materials.

25.The engine in this unit is not factory equipped with a spark arrester. It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting any applica- ble local or state laws. Other states or federal area may have similar laws.

26.OSHA regulations may require the use of hearing protection when exposed to sound levels greater than 85 dBA for an 8 hour time period.

CAUTION

This machine produces sound levels in excess of 85 dBA at the operator’s ear and can cause hearing loss though extended

periods of exposure.

Wear hearing protection when operating this machine.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip- over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not drive on it.

Safety Rules & Information

Do Not

1.Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If tires lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a slope), disengage the blade(s) (PTO) and drive slow off the slope.

2.Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never mow down slopes.

3.Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank- ments. The operator could lose footing or balance or mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

4.Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or trac- tion could cause sliding.

5.Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on the ground.

6.Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

7.Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

8.Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.

TOWED EQUIPMENT (RIDE-ON UNITS)

1.Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

2.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See attaching a trailer under OPERATION.

3.Never allow children or others in or on towed equip- ment.

4.On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5.Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6.Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.

Do

1.Mow across slopes, not up and down.

2.Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

3.Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obsta- cles.

4.Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop or change speed while on the slope.

5.Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach- ments. These can change the stability of the unit.

6.Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

7.See your authorized dealer for recommendations of available weights to improve stability.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

2.Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.

3.Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down for small children.

4.Never carry children, even with the blade(s) off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe unit operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine.

5.Never allow children to operate the unit.

6.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

EMISSIONS

1.Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

2.Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index information on the engine emissions label.