3
Safety Rules and Information

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall acci-
dents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it.

Do

• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

Do Not

•
Do not
mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-
ments. The operator could lose footing or balance.
•
Do not
mow excessively steep slopes.
•
Do not
mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the unit and the mowing activity.
Never
assume that chil-
dren 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 mower off if children enter the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down
for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the mower.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in
20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra caution
when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass
catcher.
Mow across the slope, never up and down, use cau-
tion when changing directions and DO NOT START
OR STOP ON SLOPE.

SERVICE

• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. 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 a water
heater.
• Never run an engine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.
• Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their prop-
er operation regularly.
• Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower
to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running.
• Always disconnect electric mowers (live operated)
before cleaning, repairing, or adjusting.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.
* Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.

EMISSIONS

• Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
• Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and
Air Index information on the engine emissions label.