SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETAND 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 manual and on the machine before starting.
=Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine
Clear the area of ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc, which could be picked up and thrown by the b ade
Be sure the areais clear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area
•Never carry passengers
Do not mowin reverse unless absolutely necessary Always look down and behind before and while backing
•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place
•Slow down before turning
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting
Turn off blades when not mowing
=Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute
Mow only in daylight 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 extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck
IL SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a ma or factor related to
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow iL
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, 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 slowspeed Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift white on the s_ope
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments These can change the stability of the machine
Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope_ If tires lose traction,
III.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. Neverassume 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 obiects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
Useextracarein handling gasoline and other fuels. Theyare flammable and vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not smoke
Never refuel the machine indoors
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater
•Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition
Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper operation regularly
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
•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 catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and detedoraiion, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec- essary
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
•Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as required
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the |
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• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen,turnslowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near
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
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
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