3
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
SAFETY RULES•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could over-
turn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
•If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift
into reverse and back down slowly.
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs, al-
ways disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low-
est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.