SAFETY RULES
_lb Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers ,_
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT lN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting..
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
,, Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,
which couId be picked up and thrown by the blade..
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.,
• Never' carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely 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 either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning
• Never leave a runningmachine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute_
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light
• 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
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to Ioss-of-controt and
tipover accidents, which can resutt in severe injury or
death All slopes require extra caution. Ifyou cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc
. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles..
° Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope
. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine°
° Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible
• Do not mow near drop-ofts, ditches, or embankment& The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding,
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground,.
• Do not use grass catcher' on steep slopes,
2
!11.CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert tothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them_
• Keepchitdrenoutofthemowing areaandunder thewatchful
careof anotherresponsibleadult.
• Bealertandturnmachine offifchildrenenterthe area.
• Beforeandwhen backing, look behind and down for small
children.
• Never carry children. They may fall offand be seriously
injuredorinterfere withsafemachineoperation_
• Never allowchildrento operatethe machine.
• Use extra care when approachingblindcorners, shrubs,
trees,or otherobjectsthatmay obscurevision
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care inhandlinggasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive_
Use only an approved container
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
• Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Attow machine to cool before
storing
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object°
Repair, if necessary, before restarting
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Grass catchercomponents are subjectto wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequentfy check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIt! BECOME ALERTltl YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
u u mmmnmn
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING &
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
