Swisher AZ Series, 97-056001 Safety Operation Practices for Riding Mowers, General Operation

SAFETY RULES

Safety Operation Practices for Riding Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDSAND FEET, AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Look for this symbol to point out important

!safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!

BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!!!

CAUTION:

ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE IT WHERE IT

!CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG IN ORDER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL

STARTING WHEN SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in themanualandonthemachinebeforestarting.

•Readthisoperator’smanualcarefully. Become familiarwiththecontrolsandknowhowto operate your mower properly.

•Onlyallowresponsibleadults,whoarefamiliar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by theblade.

•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.

•Never carry passengers.

•Donotmowinreverseunlessabsolutely 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 the guards in place.

•Slow down before turning.

•Neverleavearunningmachineunattended. Alwaysturnoffblades,andstopengine.

•Turnoffbladeswhennotmowing.

•Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

•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.

• Disengage power to mower, stop engine when transporting or not in use.

• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects in order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never deliberately run tractor or mower onto or over any foreign object.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in the manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.

• Always make cutting height adjustments before starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut.

• Do not let other interests distract you.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, or other safety devices in place.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipoveraccidents,whichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death. Allslopesrequires extracaution. Ifyoufeel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

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