5. AVOID HILLS AND SLOPES. Use EXTREME caution when mowing and/or turning on slopes as
loss of traction and/or tip-over could occur. Drive slower on slopes. DO NOT mow slopes greater
than 15 degrees. Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips and rises, which change the operating
angle. Keep away from drop-offs and steep banks. Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill - mower
may tip backwards. Loss of traction may occur going downhill - weight transfer to the front wheels may
cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking. DO NOT mow slopes when grass is wet - slippery
conditions affect steering and reduce traction and braking. The operator is responsible for safe opera
tion on slopes.
6. DISENGAGE POWER TO MOWER BEFORE BACKING UP. Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary and then only after turning around and observing the entire area behind the
mower. Go slowly. Most “running over victim” accidents occur in reverse.
7. BEGINNING OPERATORS SHOULD LEARN HOW TO STEER the Zero Turn Mower before
attempting to mow. Start with slow engine speed and drive without the blades engaged in open
area until comfortable with the machine.
8. KNOW HOW TO STOP QUICKLY. Know the location and operation of every control, especially
how to brake and how to disengage the mower blades.
9. DO NOT MOVE THE CONTROL LEVERS from forward position to reverse position rapidly. The speed
and/or direction of travel is affected instantly by movement of the Control Levers.
10. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE MOWER. Do not allow others who have not had instruc-
tions to operate mower.
11. ALWAYS TURN ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY before leaving mower to prevent children and
inexperienced operators from starting the engine. Never leave the mower unattended with engine run-
ning. Always wait for all moving parts and all sounds to stop before leaving operator’s seat. Always set
the parking brake on an unattended mower.
12. WEAR STURDY, ROUGH-SOLED WORK SHOES AND CLOSE-FITTING SLACKS AND SHIRTS.
Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
13. WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT such as, but not limited to, protection for eyes, ears,
feet,hands and head when operating or repairing equipment. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that
may catch on equipment moving parts.
14. NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS.
15. KNOW THE AREA YOU ARE TO MOW. Watch for hidden dangers such as rocks, roots, sticks, holes,
bumps, and drop-offs, etc. Before mowing, pick up all debris in area to be mowed. Sharp and hard
objects can be propelled at a high speed and can act like shrapnel. Walk through tall grass BEFORE
MOWING to make sure there are no hidden dangers. Mow higher than desired in tall grass to expose
any hidden objects and/or obstacles, clean the area, and then mow to the desired height.
16. BE SURE THE AREA IS CLEAR of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
17. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
18. NEVER REFUEL A MOWER INDOORS. Allow the engine time to cool before refueling. Unseen
vapors may be ignited by a spark. Always clean up spilled gasoline. Never run the engine indoors in a
garage or any other closed building. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. The engine
exhaust and gasoline fumes are dangerous.
19. NEVER REMOVE THE FUEL CAP or add gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that has
not been allowed to cool for several minutes after running. Always make sure the gas cap is in place.
20. DO NOT SMOKE AROUND THE MOWER or the gasoline storage container. Gasoline fumes can
easily ignite.
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