Safety Instructions - Operating
1.Operate the mower only in daylight or in good artificial light with good visibility of the area being mowed.
2.Sit on the seat when starting the engine and operating the machine. Keep feet on the deck footrests at all times when the tractor is moving and/or mower blades are operating. Never op- erate the tractor without a deck or imple ment installed.
3.For a beginning operator, learn to steer (ma- neuver) the tractor with a slow engine speed before attempting any mowing operation. Be aware that, with the front mounted mower configuration, the back of the tractor swings to the outside during turns.
DANGER
Do not mow around overhanging tree branches or bushes at the same height as the operator’s torso and head where inad- vertent contact may cause injury.
4.Remember, for an emergency stop, the forward motion of the tractor can always be stopped by pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) into the
5.In case the transmission drive belt breaks dur- ing operation, and if the machine is on a slope, the machine will freewheel down the slope. To maintain control, immediately (1) Release the steering levers and simultaneously (2) Move the FSC to the
NOTE: The emergency stop procedure is ex- actly the same procedure as used to normally stop and park the machine.
6.Disengage the blade clutch and put the FSC in the
7.Do not operate machine if the operator pres- ence safety switch system is not working. Verify proper operation by having the operator lift off the seat with the engine running and mov- ing two controls, one at a time; (1) Move the FSC lever out of the
8.Do not run the engine in a confined area without adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes are hazardous and can be deadly.
9.Do not carry passengers - maximum seating capacity is one (1) person.
10.Watch for holes, rocks, and roots in the terrain and for other hidden hazards. When mowing tall grass, mow higher than desired to expose any hidden obstacles. Then, clean the area and mow to the desired height.
11.Avoid sudden starts or stops. Before back- ing the machine up, look to the rear to be sure no one is behind the machine. Watch carefully for traffic when crossing or working near road- ways.
12.When moving forward, do not suddenly put the tractor in reverse by rapidly pulling on the steer- ing levers, especially when going downhill, as this can lift the tractor tail wheel off the ground and set up a bucking motion due to operator overcontrol. If bucking does occur, immediately stop the bucking action by pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) lever into the NEUTRAL- PARK position.
13.Disengage the blade drive when transporting the machine across drives, sidewalks, etc. Nev- er raise the mower deck while blades are rotating.
DANGER
Do not mow or dump grass within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of an embankment or retaining wall with drop off.
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