General Operation:
1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2.Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3.Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4.Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5.To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least
75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
7.Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8.Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
9.Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
10.Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.
11.Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
12.A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.
13.Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
14.Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.
15.Do not operate the machine while under the influ- ence of alcohol or drugs.
16.Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
17.Never carry passengers.
18.Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
19.Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
20.Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
21.Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
22.Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
23.Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
24.Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door open- ings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.
25.Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.
26.Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
27.Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory or attachment.
28.Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
29.If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your customer service representative for assistance.
2
Safe
Operation
Practices
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this man- ual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, HEED ITS
WARNING.
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine to persons who read, understand
and follow the warnings and instructions
in this manual and on the machine.
