Poulan 179414 Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, General Operation, III. Children

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the		DO NOT:
	manual and on the machine before starting.	•	Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
			slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
	instructions, to operate the machine.	• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
•	Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
			The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the
	which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.		edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.		• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
	Stop machine if anyone enters the area.		sliding.
•	Never carry passengers.	•	Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.			on the ground.
	Always look down and behind before and while backing.	• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not

	point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without				III. CHILDREN
	either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.				Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
• Slow down before turning.
					presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
•	Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn				machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
	off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove				children will remain where you last saw them.
	keys before dismounting.				• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
• Turn off blades when not mowing.						watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclog-					• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
	ging chute.				• Before and when backing, look behind and down for
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.						small children.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of					•	Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
	alcohol or drugs.					injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing road-					• Never allow children to operate the machine.
	ways.				• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine						trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
	into a trailer or truck.				IV. SERVICE
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
	are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-				• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
	related injuries. These operators should evaluate their					They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
	ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to					- Use only an approved container.
	protect themselves and others from serious injury.					- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-
						running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
	up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.					smoke.
	Do not allow the	mower deck to	plow	leaves		- Never refuel the machine indoors.
	or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean
						- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
	any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the
						there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
	machine. Allow	machine to	cool	before
					• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
	storage.
					• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
II. SLOPE OPERATION
						tight and keep equipment in good condition.
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover					•	Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes						operation regularly.
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel					• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
uneasy on it, do not mow it.						build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool
DO:
						before storing.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.					• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.						Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•	Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could				• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
	overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.					running.
•	Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not				• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
	have to stop or shift while on the slope.					age, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel						or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check compo-
	weights or counterweights to improve stability.					nents and replace with manufacturer's recommended
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-						parts, when necessary.
					•	Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
	ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not						or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
						them.
	make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•	Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,				•	Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
	disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the				2	as required.
	slope.