1. GENERAL OPERATION:
•Know controls and how to stop quickly.
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with instructions, to operate the machine.
•Wear safety glasses or eye shields when assembling or operating the machine.
•Do not operate machine when barefoot. Always wear substantial footwear, preferably steel-toed shoes.
•Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wires, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
•Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
•Always look down and behind before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mower discharge and do not point it at anyone.
•Do not operate the mower without the entire grass collector.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass collector.
•Mow only in day light or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
•Use care when mowing around a fixed object to prevent the blades from striking it. Never deliberately run over any foreign object.
•Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
•Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a.Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b.Limit loads to those that you can safely control.
c.Do not run sharply. Use care when backing.
d.Use counterweights, wheel weight when suggested in attachments instructions.
2. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-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.
DO
•Mow up and down, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn 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 slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass collector or other attachment.
This can change the stability of the machine.
•Keep all movements on the slope slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, turn off the blades and proceed slowly down the slope.
DO NOT
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-off, 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.
3. 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.
•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.
•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
4. SERVICE
•Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
a.Use only an approved container
b.Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refuelling. Do not smoke.
c.Never refuel the machine indoors.
d.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as in water heater.
•Check fuel supply before each use allowing space for expansion as the heat of the engine and sun can cause gasoline to expand and overflow the tank.
•Use extra care when handling battery acid. Acid contact with skin may cause severe burns. Eye contact may cause blindness.
•Use extra care when servicing the battery. Explosive gas is produced in the battery. Do not service the battery while smoking or near open spark or flame. This may cause the battery to explode causing serious injury.
•Never run a machine inside a closed area. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and deadly gas.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachments bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
•Do not change the engine governor settings or overspread engine.
•Reduce fire hazards. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
•Grass collector components are subjects to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components, and replace with manufacturer's recommended spare parts, when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
•Check brake operating frequently. Adjust and service as required.
