IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear appropriate clothing including safety glasses, long pants, ear protection, hardhat and substantial footwear with good traction. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
12.Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in preparation for emergencies.
13.Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
14.Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown objects going through weak or worn spots.
OPERATION
1.DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge area while the engine is running.
2.BEFORE STARTING ENGINE, blades must be OFF and Traction Levers LOCKED in the Traction Lock position.
3.Stop Blades when crossing gravel drive, walks, and under any conditions where thrown objects might be a hazard.
4.DO NOT raise deck with the blades running.
5.Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
6.USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
7.DO NOT operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8.After striking a foreign object or if the mower vibrates abnormally, STOP the blades and engine. Remove the key. Disconnect and secure the spark plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage.
9.DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches, embankments, washouts culverts, fences and protruding objects. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
10.DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Always be sure of your footing while operating machine, especially while backing up. Keep a firm grip on the handle. Walk: never run. Slipping and falling could cause injury.
11.DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running. STOP BLADES, STOP ENGINE and REMOVE KEY before leaving the operator position for any reason.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
10.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting make certain blades, engine and all moving parts have STOPPED. Remove key and secure spark plug wire away from spark plug key to prevent accidental starting.
11.STOP MACHINE on level ground, engage parking brake (if equipped) and make sure engine and blades have stopped before leaving the operator’s position for any reason including removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent injury to hands or feet.
12.Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blades in highest position when mowing over rough ground.
13.Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades underneath deck.
14.DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
15.Slow down before turning.
16.Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
17.Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain control during speed and directional changes.
18.DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
MAINTENANCE
1.Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.
2.Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers, drives and cutting units to help prevent fires. Clean up fuel, oil and excess grease.
3.When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame.
4.Check brakes frequently (if equipped); adjust, repair or replace as needed.
5.Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
6.Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
3
