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SAFETY RULES
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 IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL
OPERATION
Read, understand, and followa/I instructions mthe 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, w_re,etc.,
which could 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 m reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mowerdischargedirectlon
and do not point
itat anyone. Do not operate the mower w_thout erther the
enbre grass catcher or the guard _nplace.
Slowdown beforetuming.
•
Never leave a running machine unattended. Alwaystum
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•
Turn off bladeswhen not mowing.
•
Stop engtne 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 road-
ways
•
Use extra carewhen loading or unloadingthe machine into
a trarier or truck.
Dataindlcatesthat operators, age 60 years and above, are
revolved _na large percentage of nd_ng mower-reTated
mjunes. These operators should evaluate their abxhtyto
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or otherdebns build-
up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and bum.
Do not allow
the
mower
deck
to plow
leaves
or other debns which can cause build-up to occur. Clean
any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the
machine.
Allow
machine
to
cool
before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor relatedto loss-of-control and ttpever
acctdents, whichcan resultin severe In uP/or death. All slopes
requtre extra cauton f youcannot backup theslopeor If youfee!
uneasyon tt,do not mow=t
DO:
•
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree kmbs, 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 tmprove stabildy.
•
Use extra care w_thgrass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stablhty of the machine.
•
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do
not make sudden changes in speed or dlrecbon.
2
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Ift_reslose tracbon,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly stralghtdown
the slope
DO NOT:
•
Do not tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, tum
slowly and gradually downh(ll, if possible.
Do not mow near drop..offs, d_tches, or embankments.
The mower could suddenly tum over ifa wheel _sover the
edge of a cliff or drtch, or if an edge caves _n
•
Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not try to stab_hzethe machine by putting your foot on
theground.
•
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Neverassumethatchddren
will remain where you last sew them.
•
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
•
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
•
Before and when backing, lookbehind and down forsmall
children.
•
Never carry children. They may fall off and be senously
injured or interfere wrth safe machine operation.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•
Use extracare mhandhnggasohne and other fuels They
are flammable and vapors are expioswe.
- 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 mside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
•
Never runa machine inside a closed area.
•
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts,
tight and keep equipment m good condition.
•
Never tamper wtth safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debns budd-
up. Cleanoilor fuelspmllage. AIIowmachlnetocoolbefore
stonng.
•
Stop and inspect the equipment if you stnke an object.
Repatr, if necessary, before restarting.
•
Never make adjustments or repairs w_ththe engine
runntng.
•
Grass catcher componentsara subjecttowear, damage,
and detedoratton, which could expose moving parts or
allowobjectsto be thrown. Frequentlycheckcomponents
and replace with manufacturer's recommended pads,
when necessary.
•
Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
•
Check brake operabon frequently
Adjust and service
as requqred.
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