SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: 'THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE 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 ati 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 objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,
which could bepicked up and thrown by the blade.
•Besure thearea is clear of other people before mowing Stop
machine if anyoneenters the area..
•Never carry passengers.,
• Donot mow in 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
atrailer ortruck.,
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are amajor factor related to loss-of-controland ttpover
accidents,which can resu{t in severe injuryor death_ All slopes
requireextra caution.,tf you cannot back up theslope or ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do not mow ito
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
overturnthe machtne_ Ta// grass can hide obstac/es..
•Use slowspeed, Choose alow gearso that you wiltnot have
tostop or shift while on the slope
• 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 movementon the slopes slowand gradua/. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Avoid starting or stopping on aslope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Donor turn onslopes unlessnecessary, and then, turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible_
°Do not mow near drop-ells, ditches,or embankments. The
mower couldsuddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge caves in,.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
•Do not tryto stabilize the machine byputting yourfoot on the
ground.
=Do not use grasscatcher on steep slopes,.

!11.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children.. Children are often attracted to the machine
andthe mowing activity, Never assume that children will remain
whereyou last saw them.
°Keep childrenout of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible aduR.
° 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 comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
°Useextra care in handlinggasoline and etherfuels. They are
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 orfuel container inslde where
there isan open flame, such as a water hF,,ater.
•Never run a machine inside a closed area..
= Keep nutsand bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
° Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationregulady_
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or ether'debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
° Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting,
•Never make adjustmentsor repairswith the engine running..
,, Grasscatchercomponents are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or atlow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replacewith 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,
2
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONtt! BECOME ALERTIH YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
I I'11'11 i,i i I II II II I IJ IJILI!I±III

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

plug wire and place wire where itcannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.