Safety Rules & Information
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.
This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting.
•Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit (local regulations can restrict operator age).
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s).
•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow- ing. Stop unit if anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while travel- ling in reverse.
•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower with- out either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disen- gage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off the PTO switch to disengage the blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclog- ging chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the unit 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 unit into a trailer or truck.
•Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
•Keep in mind the operator is responsible for accidents occurring to other people or property.
•All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical instruction.
•Always wear substantial footwear and trousers. Never operate when barefoot or wearing sandals.
•Before using, always visually check that the blades and blade hardware are present, intact, and secure. Replace worn or damaged parts.
•Never operate the machine with defective guards, or without safety protective devices in place.
•Disengage attachments before: refueling, removing an attachment, making adjustments (unless the adjustment can be made from the operator’s posi- tion).
•When the machine is parked, stored, or left unattend- ed, lower the cutting means unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
•Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.
•Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and remove the key.
•To reduce fire hazard, keep the unit free of grass, leaves, & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass, or combustible materials.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
•When transporting the unit on an open trailer, make sure it is facing forward, in the direction of travel. If the unit is facing backwards, wind lift could damage the hood.
•Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling prac- tices when refueling the tractor after transportation or storage.
•Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace, water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion. Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.
•Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage preparations before storing the tractor for both short and long term periods.
•Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper
•Never store the unit or fuel container inside where there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
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