Simplicity 1693452 Operator's Manual page 10

Safety Rules & Information
Slope Operation Continued
Do Not
• Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then,
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-
ments. 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 unit by putting your foot on
the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil-
dren will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
• Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seri-
ously injured or interfere with safe unit operation.
• Never allow children to operate the unit.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE
WARNING
When transporting this tractor on an open trailer,
make sure unit is facing forward, toward the
direction of travel. If tractor is facing backward,
wind lift could cause damage to the hood.
• Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling prac-
tices when refueling the tractor after transportation or
storage.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
storage preparations before storing the tractor for
both short and long term periods.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for
proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to
service.
• Never store the unit or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a
water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before refu-
eling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel the unit indoors.
• Never run a unit in an enclosed 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 and make necessary repairs if
they are not functioning properly.
• Keep unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running unless specified otherwise in the engine
manufacturer's manual.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, 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 operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
• Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
• Always comply with factory specifications on all
settings and adjustments.
• Only authorized service locations should be utilized
for major service and repair requirements.
• Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit
unless you have been properly trained. Improper ser-
vice procedures can result in hazardous operation,
equipment damage and voiding of manufacturer's
warranty.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.
• Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
• On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.
• Do not change engine governor settings or over-
speed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine,
remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) before: clearing attachment blockages and
chutes, performing service work, striking an object, or
if the unit vibrates abnormally. After striking an
object, inspect the machine for damage and make
repairs before restarting and operating the equip-
ment.
• Never place hands near the hydro pump cooling fan
when the tractor is running. Cooling fan is located on
top of the transaxle
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