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 openings 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
29.If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact an authorized MTD Service Dealer for assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
1.Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2.Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3.Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
4.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
5.Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
6.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.
7.Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
1.Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2.Do not mow near
3.Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
4.Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5.Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
6.Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over- speeding may cause the operator to lose control of the machine resulting in serious injury or death.
7.Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may
CHILDREN
1.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. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
a.Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
b.Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
c.Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children.
d.Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
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