SLOPE OPERATION

1.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 mow it.

2.For your safety, use the slope gauge (provided in tractor Operator’s Manual) to measure slopes before operating the unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, as shown by the slope gauge, do not operate the unit on that area or serious injury could result.

DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speeds. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, turn slowly and gradually across and down slope, if possible.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

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

CHILDREN

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

1.Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an adult other than the operator.

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

3.Before and when backing up, look behind and down for small children.

4.Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or may interfere with safe machine operation.

5.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years and older should only operate the machine under close parental supervision and proper instruction.

6.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or other hazard.

7.Remove the key when the machine is left unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.

SERVICE

1.Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

a.Use only an approved container.

b.Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine hot or running. Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

c.Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

d.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

e.Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will accumulate in the area.

f.Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater, space heater or furnace.

2.Never run a machine inside a closed area. Engine exhaust fumes can be lethal.

3.To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow the machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

4.Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, stop the engine and remove key. Make certain the blades and all moving parts have stopped.

5.Frequently check all nuts, bolts and screws for proper tightness to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition, especially the blade nuts. Also visually inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace only with blades that meet original equipment specifications.

6.Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper opera- tion regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.

7.After striking a foreign object, stop the engine and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower.

8.Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing blades.

9.Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

10.Muffler and engine become hot during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.

11.Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are extremely dangerous.